Arts college awarded third ‘outstanding’

Northern School of Art praised for adapting courses to ‘maintain currency with developments in the creative industries sector’

Northern School of Art praised for adapting courses to ‘maintain currency with developments in the creative industries sector’

An art and design college that helps a high proportion of students progress to prestigious London stage schools has been awarded its third consecutive ‘outstanding’ grade from Ofsted.

Following its top results in 2022 and 2009, Middlesborough-based The Northern School of Art was bestowed with grade one marks almost across the board, according to its latest inspection report, published today.

Inspectors found during their January 14 to 17 visit that the college’s 600-odd learners work “extremely hard” and demonstrate high levels of maturity when working together.

The watchdog highlighted the college’s “strong” contribution to skills needs. Stakeholders told inspectors they “welcomed” the college adapting new courses to “maintain currency with developments in the creative industries sector”.

Inspectors found the college highlights the diverse job opportunities available in the creative sector. As a result, “a high proportion of learners progress to prestigious stage schools in London”, the report said.

The college, which has two campuses in Middlesborough and Hartlepool, offers vocational qualifications, A-levels and access to higher education courses in art and design. At the time of inspection, there were 639 learners, the majority of which are on level 3 programmes, and an additional small cohort of adult and high needs learners.

The college was awarded grade one in all areas except its high needs provision, which was rated ‘good’.

Martin Raby, principal of The Northern School of Art, told FE Week: “The whole school community is delighted that we have become part of a very small and select group of further education colleges which have achieved three successive Ofsted outstanding ratings, going back to our 2009 inspection.

“I could not have wished for a better report. I am lucky to lead a friendly, dedicated and professional team, and to be able to rely on academic colleagues described by Ofsted as highly experienced lecturers who have subject expertise and industry experience.”

Inspectors made glowing remarks about students’ “exceptional” attitude to learning.

“Learners work extremely hard and participate fully in lessons, developing their artistic and creative talents,” Ofsted’s report said.

When working with each other, inspectors beamed at learners’ “sincere willingness” to learn and maturity when communicating with their peers.

On the level 3 diploma in acting for stage and screen course, students learn how to critique each other’s work constructively, objectively and supportively.

Meanwhile, teachers were found to be “highly experienced” with subject expertise and industry experience.

Lecturers have “a range of very successful teaching strategies” to help learners obtain the basic skills to build onto to more complex topics further on in their course.

The report said: “In the first year of the level 3 acting for stage and screen course, lecturers demonstrate principles of acting, and learners cover voice, physicality and characterisation. In the second year, learners move on to studying classical theatre and also focus on audition preparation and digital portfolios.”

In the college’s most popular course, the level 3 diploma in illustration and animation, the watchdog praised teachers for giving learners feedback that “guides them well” to future work.

Learners are “well prepared” for their next steps. Learners retaking GCSE maths also achieve well.

The college was found to have improved achievement rates since their last inspection in 2022.

Meanwhile, governors were praised for holding leaders to account effectively. Governors receive “comprehensive” board papers and also hear first-hand from staff and learners about challenges facing the school.

Raby said: “The inspection recognised that the school ensures that its curriculum aligns closely with the region’s specific arts and creative industries priorities, and that we provide an exceptionally current and relevant curriculum enabling learners to develop specialist knowledge and skills in creative arts, together with access to highly specialised equipment and resources that enhance their studies.

“Perhaps most gratifying was Ofsted’s recognition of the ethos of the school, noting that learners regard the school as a big family where they collaborate well with staff and peers, and that staff create a highly effective, calm, purposeful and welcoming learning environment where learners feel part of a supportive and creative community, also being valued, respected and comfortable expressing themselves.”

Latest education roles from

Principal & Chief Executive – Bath College

Principal & Chief Executive – Bath College

Dodd Partners

IT Technician

IT Technician

Harris Academy Morden

Teacher of Geography

Teacher of Geography

Harris Academy Orpington

Lecturer/Assessor in Electrical

Lecturer/Assessor in Electrical

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS)

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS)

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Exams Assistant

Exams Assistant

Richmond and Hillcroft Adult & Community College

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

Plan for change funding to drive green construction skills

The government has launched a new plan for change to address the skills deficit in the construction industry, providing...

Advertorial
Sponsored post

Reshaping the New Green Skills Landscape

The UK government is embarking on a transformative journey to reshape its skills landscape, placing a significant emphasis on...

Advertorial
Sponsored post

Safe to speak, ready to act: SaferSpace targets harassment and misconduct in education 

In an era where safeguarding and compliance are firmly in the spotlight, education providers face a growing responsibility: to...

Advertorial
Sponsored post

Screening for the cognitive needs of apprentices is essential – does it matter if the process is engaging?

Engagement should be the first priority in cognitive assessment. An engaging assessment is an inclusive assessment — when cognitive...

Advertorial

More from this theme

Ofsted

Ofsted plans FE webinars in response to reform timeline unrest

'I know there are some concerns about the timeline for these changes,' says chief inspector

Freddie Whittaker
Apprenticeships, Ofsted

Fuel pumped up with Ofsted’s premium rating

Large leadership and management provider aims to double apprentice numbers after grade one feat

Billy Camden
Ofsted

‘Judge me on what happens in September’ says Ofsted chief

Sir Martyn Oliver says he only put out 'foundations' of a plan because sector demanded 'urgent' reform

Freddie Whittaker
Colleges, Ofsted

Burnley College inflated achievement rates, Ofsted reveals

Inspectors slam governors for not questioning ‘exceptionally high’ QARs

Anviksha Patel

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *