Essex sixth form college celebrates Ofsted upgrade to ‘outstanding’

Principal describes the feat as a 'ringing endorsement' of 'high quality work'

Principal describes the feat as a 'ringing endorsement' of 'high quality work'

14 May 2024, 10:19

More from this author

ofsted

A sixth form college in Essex is celebrating top marks from Ofsted – in a report that its principal describes as a “ringing endorsement” of “high quality work”.

The Sixth Form College Colchester was today awarded ‘outstanding’ grades across the board following an inspection in March.

More than 3,100 young people aged 16 to 19 study at the college and benefit from “high-quality teaching by subject specialists” in “calm and highly focused learning environments that support and enable students to learn very effectively”, according to Ofsted.

Inspectors found that nearly all students pass their qualifications, often with A* grades.

This is achieved in part by college bosses who “identify good teaching practices and share them successfully”, ensuring that “teachers are confident to try different approaches making teaching relevant and interesting”.

Inspectors also found that staff have “high aspirations for what students will achieve and where they will move on to when they leave college”, ensuring that “students are very effectively equipped to make successful decisions to identify appropriate career choices and pathways”.

Students also “consider the views and beliefs of others and treat each other with dignity and respect”, the report found, adding that their behaviour is “exemplary” and “quickly become empowered to take ownership of their futures and their place in society as active citizens”.

The Sixth Form College Colchester’s most recent previous Ofsted result was a ‘good’, achieved in 2018.

Since then, leaders have been “successful in further raising the quality of education”, the latest report said, adding: “They have diligently focused on all aspects of provision to rectify any weaknesses identified through their effective quality assurance processes.”

Principal Ian MacNaughton said: “This ‘outstanding’ judgement is a ringing endorsement to the ongoing high quality of the work here at The Sixth Form College.  

“We have all worked hard to sustain a very positive and inclusive ethos for many years and this has enormously contributed to the impressive success of our students.

“I must, of course, take the opportunity to thank our fantastic team of staff: we have, for many years, benefitted so much from a team of committed professionals, very skilled at working with students this age.”

The feat makes Colchester the 17th sixth form college, out of 43, to currently hold a grade one Ofsted result.

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 *