Ofsted Report

Ofsted Judges College To Be "Good" With Outstanding Features

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College has been judged as ‘Good’ by Ofsted with the behaviour and attitudes of its students rated as ‘Outstanding’ by inspectors. Following an inspection last month, Ofsted judged that the college has successfully created an ‘enjoyable and highly inclusive learning environment’ with a curriculum that is tailored to meet the needs of students, apprentices, employers and local enterprise partnerships.

The college was praised for setting high expectations for its students and apprentices, deploying industry-standard resources, well-planned learning activities, access to work experience and good quality advice and guidance, enabling them to make well-informed choices and meet their career aspirations. Ofsted recorded that a high proportion of students move into further learning and employment after they have successfully completed their qualifications. The College gained praised for placing a high priority on participation in prestigious competitions noting that many students have been successful in achieving national awards.

The report noted that good quality feedback from employers and assessors helps apprentices to ‘confidently develop the technical knowledge, skills and behaviours that enhance their effectiveness at work’ where they ‘quickly become valued employees’.

In addition, the report highlighted that support for the most vulnerable students is ‘embedded within the fabric of college life’. Staff were commended for working well together to create ‘a culture of safeguarding’ across the college.

In a report published this week, Ofsted recorded that the college benefits from strong leadership with managers implementing ‘a clear strategy that has resulted in sustained improvements’ supported by robust support from governors who make a valuable contribution to the organisation’s success.

Marion Plant OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive said, “We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection by Ofsted which reflects the high standards achieved by the college. We are particularly proud of our students who are such fantastic ambassadors for further education and represented themselves so well at all our campuses throughout the week.

“Ofsted’s report is a fitting recognition of the progress we have made over the last three years since our merger in improving the quality of teaching and learning, and the student experience. This is an excellent report; Ofsted have indicated that the behaviours and attitudes of students at the College are exemplary. In addition, our learners quickly develop confidence, resilience and the ability to work under pressure. This aspect of college life has been graded as outstanding. This endorsement by Ofsted properly reflects the effort and ambition of our students, the hard work of our staff and the support of our governing body. The report is an important document that we will use in ensuring even greater progress in the future. Ofsted’s judgements have provided us with a clear agenda to follow in continuing to ensure that North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College remains a fantastic place to learn.”

A full copy of the Ofsted report is available Ofsted website