A busy 2018 for LSI Portsmouth

It has been a very busy year at LSI Portsmouth – with management changes, inspection success and the return of old friends.

In June, as an adult only centre, LSI successfully scored 14 out of 14 in their British Council inspection – putting them jointly at the top of the EL Gazette Centres of Excellence league table.  One of the secrets, according to Principal Lea Brophy is transparency: “I   really like the reformed inspection scheme, it’s very transparent. It tells you exactly what the inspectors want to see. What we need to do is make what we do every day transparent to the inspectors. Everybody in the team needs to understand what they do and why they do it that way – cleaners, admin, teachers, social organisers”.

The BC inspection was followed by the ISI re-inspection in November, with “outstanding” again achieved in all 3 categories.

So what does Lea put the double success down to – “teamwork and communication: with a great team communicating well, success is always achievable”.

Another exciting development at the school is the opening of 113 Bar and Kitchen on LSI’s ground floor. The space previously known as Café Parisien has been totally revamped and is now serving a fabulous menu to LSI students, staff and the general public. Being in the heart of the university district and close to the city centre, the location has always been a hub for business lunches or a quick coffee between classes, and their signature pizzas are already proving rather popular!

 LSI have also been delighted with the return of former key team members, including Hannah Youell.  After maternity leave and some experience in other industries, Hannah was delighted to be able to come back to LSI, she says “LSI is such a special place to be a part of and I’m so happy that I’ve been able to step back into my role in marketing and welfare. When I left in 2015 I really felt that I had lots more left to give, so it’s great to be back and working towards lots of exciting new things – I feel like I’ve come home!”