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Case Study: Impact and Achievements of the LSIF Project at Leyton Sixth Form College
1 May 2025The Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) project at Leyton Sixth Form College has brought about significant improvements in digital learning, staff development, and student experience. This case study outlines the key achievements of the project in three major areas: digital staff training, subject-specific student enrichment, and the introduction of a cutting-edge immersive learning environment.
One of the aims of the LSIF project was to strengthen staff digital skills. All staff received structured training in the use of Microsoft Office 365 tools, such as OneDrive, SharePoint and Teams. This training improved staff confidence in using technology to support teaching, communication, and administration. Many teachers reported greater efficiency and improved collaboration across departments, particularly in the use of Teams for lesson planning, communication and student tracking.
In addition to Microsoft training, teachers also engaged with platforms like Teachermatic and Tablet Academy. Teachermatic helped staff generate lesson ideas and resources using AI-powered tools, which saved planning time and allowed for more personalised learning experiences. Through Tablet Academy, staff accessed professional development in using digital tools for blended and remote teaching. These learning platforms encouraged a wider adoption of technology in day-to-day teaching and introduced staff to innovative ways of delivering content.
The LSIF project also supported student development, particularly for IT learners. A group of IT students took part in a bespoke cybersecurity workshop that was added to their study programme. The workshop focused on real-world cyber threats, ethical hacking, and digital safety. Students took part in interactive activities and simulations that helped them apply their classroom learning to practical scenarios. This hands-on experience not only boosted student engagement but also gave them valuable insight into careers in cybersecurity, a growing industry with high demand for skilled workers.
A major investment through LSIF was the acquisition of a mini immersive room system, designed to create virtual, interactive learning environments. This new facility has been a key innovation at the college, supporting teaching and cross-college collaboration. Staff were trained to use the system to run collaborative sessions, simulations, and guest lectures. The immersive room has already been used in a number of successful ways.
One highlight was a virtual visit to the Imaging Department at Whipps Cross Hospital. Applied Science students were able to explore medical imaging equipment and procedures through a fully immersive experience. This offered them an opportunity they might not have had otherwise and helped them understand how their classroom knowledge applies in a real healthcare setting.
The immersive room was also used to host a virtual meeting with Teesside University London, supporting student progression and strengthening links with higher education. Additionally, it allowed for remote access to a Board of Governors meeting, demonstrating the room’s flexibility for both teaching and wider college operations.
Looking ahead, future developments will include a partnership with Waltham Forest College to deliver apprenticeship tasters for Level 1 and 2 students. The immersive room will also be made available across departments for both student learning and remote CPD for staff. These next steps will help ensure that the impact of the LSIF project continues to grow across the college and beyond.
