Inspection Report
In March 2011, OFSTED carried out a full inspection of the college. Their findings included the following:
Teaching and assessment at the college are good, with some that is outstanding. Tutors have high expectations of the students and challenge them well. Through careful teaching they ensure that students fully understand the subject and what is required of them, consolidating learning where necessary.
Tutors are highly knowledgeable in each of their specialist subject areas and of the requirements of current examinations, as many are examiners themselves. They also know their students well and this enables them to plan flexibly around individual and group needs.
In the best lessons, tutors purposefully engage the students and ensure that they are able to share fully what they know already, explaining and expanding their answers to well-pitched questions. This helps the students to become critically evaluative and more actively engaged in their learning.
Students are assessed very regularly. This is beneficial to their good progress and to their understanding of what they need to do to reach their target grades. Although targets are not always referred to in lessons, they are made clear through regular discussion, feedback on homework, monthly mentor sessions and helpful half-termly reporting to parents. Students say they find these are very constructive.
The content of each lesson is carefully tailored to the aptitudes of the students. Links with other education and tutorial providers, for example music specialists, ensure that students follow a course of study appropriate to their needs.
All students receive appropriate careers guidance and preparation for the next phase of their education, which, for most students, is their successful entry to their chosen university.
Many younger students are also able to take part in work experience arranged by the college. The curriculum successfully ensures that students take personal responsibility for their learning and for their future adult life.
All students are highly motivated and take an interest in their studies. Lessons are consistently well planned and the pace of the lessons is brisk, although tutors are sensitive to when teaching and learning need to be slowed down. Class time is managed effectively and students confirm how much they get through.
Strong relationships between tutors and students are evident and the students themselves recognise this as being a strength of the college. It is clear that they respect the tutors and the help they are offered. There is a happy and purposeful atmosphere and everyone enjoys their time here. Students are clear of the high expectations tutors have for them and respond well to this, so achievement is good. Students' examination successes and responsible attitude towards study prepares them well for the future.
A full version of the report may be obtained from the college office or from the OFSTED Inspections website.
