OFSTED Results
The College was last inspected by OFSTED in 2011.
Here are some of the highlights of what OFSTED had to say about the College:
Students are exceptionally happy at the college and their mutually supportive and harmonious relationships are the mainstay of college life.
The college provides a welcoming environment in which students feel very safe and are treated fairly; procedures to ensure their safety and well-being are good. Behaviour is good.
Students’ learning is developed and extended through enrichment activities and workshops. Careers education and guidance are effective. The majority of learners who complete an A- level course progress to HE. Tutorial support is strong and the newly appointed academic coaches work well with teachers to motivate students.
Students who find learning difficult receive highly effective support so that they achieve as well as other students.
Students understand and practice mutual respect so that incidents of bullying and discrimination are very rare.
The most effective lessons make imaginative use of learning resources and provide a wide range of activities to capture and maintain students’ interest. In these lessons teachers use questioning skilfully to ensure that students understand, rather than merely remember what they are studying, and develop learning at a challenging pace. Students enjoy such lessons and are attentive and productive.
Students receive good advice about progression into HE and have good opportunities to visit different universities before making their choices. The majority of students who complete an A- level course progress to HE. Most students progress to HE, including many from backgrounds where there is little history of higher education.
The recent appointment of specialist academic coaches has improved the consistency and quality of tutorials. Students say, and inspectors agree, that procedures to monitor their progress are much improved.
Students with specific needs are supported well; they have access to a good range of resources and assistive technology to support their learning.
Resources are good and well maintained and the improved electronic individual learning plan ensures good information sharing about students with staff and parents.
Safeguarding arrangements are good. The college has excellent links with local authority safeguarding teams and takes prompt and extremely effective action on referrals. All staff are trained and receive regular updating, with extra training for the nominated staff and governor. The single central register is comprehensive and up to date. Site access security is stringent, and risk assessment is carried out rigorously.
Equality and diversity are well promoted across the college and in lessons students work harmoniously together.
Go to the OFSTED website to read the full report.
