Lecturer Costume Construction

South East Essex College was established well before the second world war by Southend Borough Council, first as a Technical School and then as a Municipal College. 

The former buildings were completed in the early 1960s. The College underwent gradual growth and development until the 1980s when the first substantial refurbishment work began. During this period the range of subjects and courses offered gradually evolved, reflecting the changes in training and employment needs of the local economy.
The 1990s saw significant change and development with major reorganisations and investment in new resources. The College became an independent organisation, removed from the local education authority in 1993 and has thrived, leading developments in the field of 16-18 education. 

From the mid-1990s onwards it has successfully developed an ever expanding range of higher education courses. Media Production and Technology was the first part-time degree programme offered in 1994, and the course is now widely recognised as a leader in this field. The College continues to enjoy good relations with the town's community and business sector, being a key training resource for local employers and employees alike.
The College is afforded a high standard of resources and facilities by virtue of its position as the major regional Further Education provider. The late 1990s saw the extension of the College's open learning centre philosophy and expansion of the various support facilities for students. 

The College's learning philosophy has been very successful, high academic standards being achieved and maintained with a very good Ofsted/Ali inspection report in 2004. The College frequently hosts visitors from all over the world who are hoping to imitate our high-tech learning style. 

In 2001 the College became one of the first sixteen pathfinder Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in the country, achieving CoVE status for its expertise in media technology. 

In April 2002, Lifelong Learning and Higher Education Minister, Margaret Hodge launched the Partnership between the University of Essex and South East Essex College and by September 2003, the College plans for a new campus became a reality, when a partnership agreement, investing over 52 million in a brand new state-of-the art building in the heart of Southend town centre, at Luker Road, was signed by the new Principal, Jan Hodges. In December 2002, the College became the only Microsoft Regional Centre in the East of England region, and one of just 16 in the UK.
In February 2003, a ceremony took place to lay the foundation stone for the new campus, with guest of honour John Harwood, the then Chief Executive of the Learning and Skills Council. Soon afterwards, in April 2003, the University of Essex Southend Centre opened at Princess Caroline House. The following month David Burrows, Head of Education at Microsoft, opened the New Technology Centre at the Colleges London Road centre. July saw the topping out ceremony at Luker Road to mark the completion of the new building to roof level, with guest of honour the Right Reverend Dr Laurie Green, Bishop of Bradwell. In July it was also announced that there would be Thames Gateway funding to support the development of Phase 2 of the new campus (the old Odeon site) to enhance our Higher Education Partnership with the University of Essex and services to business. 

In October 2003 the College launched its new identity and logo. In December, a time capsule was placed in the reception area of the new campus by representatives of the staff and students of the College. 

In August 2004 our architecturally innovative, purpose-built 26,000m² building was completed and the College, students and staff relocated into the new campus for the start of the autumn term. Students studying at the College from 2004 will benefit from the new facilities, a town-centre location close to public transport, shops and the sea and most importantly, the excitement of the state-of-the-art facilities and modern, inspiring surroundings that the College now offers. 

Mission 

We aim to be a leading College providing people and businesses with the knowledge and skills needed for success. 

Core Values 

Focusing on learners and learning 

High aspirations and quality standards 

Valuing everyones contribution 

Creating a dynamic and welcoming environment 

Working in effective teams and partnerships