Second ‘outstanding’ for Cheshire college

Inspectors said teachers and leaders were “passionate” about providing life-changing opportunities for young people and adults

Inspectors said teachers and leaders were “passionate” about providing life-changing opportunities for young people and adults

13 Jun 2024, 17:32

More from this author

A Cheshire college has been rated ‘outstanding’ for the second time in four years for its “culture of continuous improvement”. 

Ofsted gave Riverside College in Widnes the highest rating following an inspection in April. Its report was published this week. 

Inspectors praised college leaders for their “highly effective quality assurance” processes for monitoring and improving teaching. 

Teachers used assessment “incisively” to adapt their teaching, check learners’ progress and provide “high-quality developmental feedback”. 

The college teaches more than 3,600 young students, more than 2,000 adults and about 450 apprentices. It was formed in 2006 following the merger of Halton College and Widnes and Runcorn Sixth Form College. 

It was rated ‘outstanding’ in all areas of effectiveness except provision for learners with high needs, which was rated ‘good’. 

This follows a 2020 inspection that also praised the college’s “culture of relentless self-improvement”. 

Principal Mary Murphy said the college was “overjoyed”.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our exceptional staff and students. 

“I am immensely proud of our college community for their pursuit of excellence and for consistently upholding the high standards that have once again been recognised by Ofsted.” 

Inspectors said teachers and leaders were “passionate” about providing life-changing opportunities for young people and adults, many of whom came from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Teachers were also rated as “highly qualified” and commended for putting a “great deal of thought” into their work. 

Inspectors also reported “extremely positive attitudes” from students, who felt “valued and respected”, “highly motivated” and had high attendance levels. 

The college was also praised for improving the attendance of its apprentices when staff noticed that “a few” had been leaving some programmes early. 

On the question of the college meeting local skills needs, inspectors found “highly effective partnerships” with stakeholders. 

The college had undertaken “extensive research” to identify local needs, particularly in the north west’s emerging hydrogen industry. 

It also worked with employers in the welding and construction sectors. 

Latest education roles from

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Romero Catholic Academy Trust

Director of Academy Finance and Operations

Director of Academy Finance and Operations

Ormiston Academies Trust

Principal & Chief Executive

Principal & Chief Executive

Truro & Penwith College

Group Director of Marketing, Communications & External Engagement

Group Director of Marketing, Communications & External Engagement

London & South East Education Group

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

Supporting the UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan Through Skills

The UK Government’s Decarbonising Transport: A Better, Greener Britain strategy sets a legally binding path towards a net-zero transport...

Advertorial
Sponsored post

Project power: ASDAN expands its qualifications portfolio

From 2026, ASDAN’s planned Foundation and Higher Project Qualifications will sit alongside its Extended Project Qualification[CM1] , creating a complete...

Advertorial
ATAs

Spotlight on excellence: Nominations now open for the Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards, celebrating outstanding employers and providers with national recognition, a...

FE Week Reporter
Sponsored post

Funding Adult Green Skills

New sources of funding are available to finance the delivery of green skills to all learners. Government policy is...

Tyler Palmer

More from this theme

Colleges

Principals scratch their heads over new improvement teams

FE leaders warn Labour’s regional improvement teams risk duplicating oversight already performed by the FE Commissioner

Josh Mellor
Colleges

Weston freed of ‘traumatic’ NTI – but finance probe continues

College out of intervention after strengthening governance procedures

Anviksha Patel
Colleges, Skills reform

Skills England urged to confront government on FE funding

Joint AoC and UUK report also calls for 'excessive' competition to be challenged

Josh Mellor
Colleges

LSEC reveals civic rebrand

London academies and college group unveils new umbrella brand to 'emphasise role as anchor institution'

FE Week Reporter

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

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