Ofsted has rated adult learning provision at the London School of Science and Technology (LSST) at the Expected standard, with its latest inspection report citing practical construction training at Wembley, CSCS card attainment and links with employers. The Ofsted report, published on 16 October 2026, records the Expected standard for inclusion, leadership and governance, and adult learning programmes. Safeguarding standards were also met. Inspectors found that almost all adult learners completed their training and achieved their qualifications, including learners who entered provision with low prior attainment or other barriers to learning.
Construction Training at Wembley
Construction forms a substantial part of LSST's adult skills provision at its Wembley training centre, including painting and decorating programmes intended to prepare learners for employment or self-employment. Ofsted reported that learners developed practical vocational skills to a standard that prepared them for work in the sector. All learners on LSST's painting and decorating programmes gained a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card.
The training combines practical trade skills with site safety and employability support. Employer involvement includes careers sessions, mock interviews and recruitment activity, while learners considering self-employment receive guidance covering business registration, taxation and working as a sole trader.
Inspectors also recognised LSST's work to increase participation by women in construction. The measures cited include changes to recruitment, access to female mentors and the provision of appropriately fitted personal protective equipment. The report found that LSST works with employers, local authorities and community organisations to shape training around employment demand and construction skills shortages.
£500,000 Funding to Expand Construction Courses
The inspection findings come as LSST expands its construction provision in London. LSST said earlier this month that it had secured £500,000 in Greater London Authority funding to extend construction training through the London Talent Pathways programme. The funding allocation is for training provision rather than construction work at the centre. LSST said the programme will support eligible adults developing practical skills and routes into employment or self-employment.
Its Wembley Construction Training Centre was opened earlier in 2026 as part of what LSST described as a £1 million investment in construction training facilities. The provider has since been developing its links with contractors and other employers to connect learners with site visits, recruitment activity and entry-level opportunities.
Ofsted Also Sets Out Areas for Improvement
The report was not wholly positive. Inspectors said LSST needed to improve the consistency of written feedback given to learners and develop tutors' knowledge of evidence-informed inclusive teaching practices. Ofsted also called for more detailed analysis of differences in achievement and progression between learner groups.
Progression into employment or self-employment had improved, particularly among painting and decorating learners, but inspectors found that outcomes were not consistently high across all provision. LSST will therefore need to build on the construction training outcomes identified in the report while improving employment progression, written feedback and the way it measures differences in learner outcomes.
Expert Verification & Authorship
Founder & Author, London Construction Magazine | Construction Testing & Investigation Specialist