New era for education beckons at failed school

The former Endeavour High, on Beverley Road, Hull, was officially reopened as the Endeavour Learning and Skills Centre today.

Intended to be an example of how the city was driving up standards, Endeavour experienced problems from a very early stage and was placed in special measures on its first Ofsted visit in 2004. It was in special measures on a further two occasions before finally closing in July 2015.

Now, however, it is one of Hull’s largest post-16 and adult learning facilities, offering a vast range of courses and apprenticeships. Since last September it has seen 6,500 learners pass through its doors, including a 92-year-old, who takes an art class.

Coun Rosie Nicola said after closing the school there had been “quite a discussion” as to what to do with the £15m facility, then just over a decade old. She said: “We wanted to make sure that people feel this place is the kind of venue where they can feel part of the community, and which has a college atmosphere which is really constructive and engaging.”

The final addition to the centre, which is the new home of Hull Training and Adult Education, was Construction Services, which moved in last week. Among the students is Ryan Cook, 23, who won the UK Young Builder of the Year Award last year and is in his second year of a bricklaying course. Ryan, whose ambition is to have his own company, and is also studying English, said: “It is a brilliant facility and has IT suites, everything you need.” Last month Hull Council decided to retain the Avenues Education Centre, vacated when adult education moved to Endeavour, following a residents’ campaign.