Ofsted Report

We were inspected in March 2023 and achieved an overall grade of GOOD with provision for learners with high needs graded as OUTSTANDING.

Highlights from the Report

Staff create a positive culture at the college, which results in a high level of mutual respect between staff and students
Students display positive attitudes to their learning and are attentive in lessons
Students are highly motivated to do their best
Staff promote high expectations of what students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, can achieve
Students benefit from exciting enrichment opportunities that develop their interests
Sports staff support students’ sporting aspirations even when these are not part of the college sports programme, such as surf coaching, weightlifting and cross country running
Students, who come from a range of backgrounds, feel safe in college
Staff successfully celebrate diversity, allowing every student to be who they want to be

Leaders and managers have developed an inclusive curriculum with an effective balance of academic and vocational pathways to align the college’s provision with local economic and skills priorities
Leaders and managers liaise well with employers and stakeholders to understand the skills needs that are relevant to their students
Leaders and managers use subject experts to develop content for vocational courses such as live briefs, business proposals and workplace visits
Teachers are well qualified and are experts in their field
Teachers skilfully develop students’ creative skills, knowledge and behaviours to help them produce work that is of an excellent standard

Students who have high needs make excellent progress in developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours that they need to achieve their qualifications and progress to highly positive destinations
Staff help students to increase significantly their confidence and self-esteem, and as a result, students who have high needs develop resilience and improve their communication, independent study skills and teamworking skills

Most students progress to positive destinations, including further learning, and many move on to prestigious universities
Most students progress to university, gain an apprenticeship or move into employment