We're incredibly proud that the work of staff and students has been recognised as Good, with some areas securing an Outstanding grade in our latest inspection report.
Following a full inspection in October 2024, we continue to be recognised by Ofsted as a 'Good' education provider.
The report describes an environment where students and apprentices value the College as a "welcoming, inclusive and friendly place to study" where students thrive, enjoy their studies and make new friends.
Inspectors were impressed with standards at the College and in particular, the behaviour of students and apprentices, the supportive and respectful culture, and the adoption of professional behaviours such as teamwork and communication that are so highly valued by employers. The report describes our students as motivated with a positive attitude towards their learning, and praises strong links to the workplace with opportunities to put learning into practice in real work environments and input from local businesses.
For the first time, the College was assessed on its contribution to meeting skills needs. This is a new aspect of inspection that examines how the College identifies and integrates the skills needs of the communities it serves into the design and delivery of the training and education it offers. The awarded rating of 'Strong' is the highest possible grade, and positions the College among the top Colleges in the country for engagement with local needs; it demonstrates that the College works very well with local stakeholders to understand and respond to skills needs.
It's therefore no surprise that the report documents the 'deep affinity' that leaders have with the communities that the College serves, and credits the College with developing "ambitious, high-quality learning programmes that help learners and apprentices progress and achieve their aspirations".
Importantly, the report recognises progress that's been made to secure improvements in the College's apprenticeship provision which is now rated Good, and that it's work with adults and students with high needs is now rated Outstanding.
Other highlights from the report:
The College can take great pride in its commitment to inclusivity and the positive impact it has on the local community. Leaders have designed ambitious and high-quality learning programmes that break down barriers for those facing challenges in accessing education and work. These programmes not only build learners' confidence and skills but also inspire a renewed sense of purpose. Initiatives such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses for Ukrainian arrivals showcase the College's responsiveness to community needs, helping learners integrate and contribute meaningfully to society.
The College's teaching and apprenticeship programmes are underpinned by skilled staff who ensure students have a firm grasp of foundational concepts before progressing to more complex topics. Teachers creatively use their extensive subject knowledge to plan engaging lessons, as seen in activities like Level 3 sport science learners linking anatomical knowledge to sports injuries. Apprenticeship training is meticulously organised, with tailored plans and regular feedback enabling learners to thrive. The dedication to providing additional qualifications, such as power tool safety for carpentry apprentices, highlights the college’s commitment to equipping learners for workplace success.
Leaders have cultivated meaningful partnerships with employers and stakeholders, resulting in tailored adult learning programmes and work placements that address regional skills shortages. The Access to Higher Education Healthcare course stands out, preparing learners for crucial roles in national shortage areas like nursing. Further, sector-based work academies have enabled adult students to re-enter the workforce confidently, with many securing sustained employment. These efforts, combined with insightful guest speakers and industry connections, prepare students and apprentices exceptionally well for their next steps in education or work.
