Ofsted
In January 2008, OFSTED carried out a full inspection of the college. Their findings included the following:
The college meets its aims by providing carefully planned teaching which recognises the students' individual abilities and aptitudes and supports them in making good progress. Feedback on students' progress is very regular. Students respond well to the small teaching groups and good quality of care and attention that they receive.
A high proportion of teaching is outstanding. As a result students make good progress and this is reflected in the quality of examination results and in the vast majority of older students proceeding on to a university of their choice.
Teachers are all specialists in their subjects and have high levels of awareness of examination requirements and, importantly, the necessary study techniques required. They demonstrate a keen awareness of the learning needs of individual students.
Because classes have rarely more than five or six students, and usually less, teachers are able to ensure that all students, irrespective of their ability, are fully engaged with the learning.
The college is effective in raising students' self-knowledge, self-esteem and their self-confidence. Students are expected to take responsibility for managing their own time and accepting responsibility for their own development.
Praise is used effectively by teachers to encourage students and to support their developing self-esteem and self-confidence. In discussion and feedback teachers emphasise the positive aspects of students' progress. Because they improve their learning and understanding, and subsequent examination results, students improve their prospects for their future economic well-being.
Students of all ages respond well to the college's mature expectations of behaviour. Their outstanding behaviour is reinforced by the positive working relations between staff and students and the relaxed atmosphere of the college in general. The high expectations for learning in lessons encourage a mature response from students.
The quality of guidance that students receive has a number of outstanding features. The ongoing monitoring of students' work and the guidance they receive reflect the high quality of provision for their personal as well as academic development.
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