Students ‘not disadvantaged by their SEND’ at ‘outstanding’ college

Royal College Manchester celebrates 'exceptional achievement' following glowing Ofsted report

Royal College Manchester celebrates 'exceptional achievement' following glowing Ofsted report

11 Dec 2024, 17:13

More from this author

A Cheshire-based specialist college that was caught up in last year’s RAAC scandal has scored top marks from education inspectors. 

Royal College Manchester, which is part of Seashell Trust, was graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for each judgment in a report published today following a full inspection last month. 

The 69-learner college improved from ‘good’ because of “exceptional education, care and support” from “highly qualified, experienced, caring and nurturing staff”. Learners at the college are aged 16 to 25 and have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), some with complex health needs.

Inspectors reported teaching and care staff “work expertly together” on a curriculum that develops “substantial new knowledge and skills” as well as learners’ independence, physical health and wellbeing. 

Education quality, learner behaviour, personal development, high needs provision and leadership and management were all found to be ‘outstanding’.

Learners develop their teamwork and social skills through “extensive” enrichment activities that include rock band, cycling, residential trips and horticultural projects. 

Ofsted praised leaders’ monitoring of learner progress and “wide variety” of training on offer to teaching and therapeutic staff, including trauma-informed care and empathetic language.

Teaching staff were commended for their “excellent range of teaching and support techniques” in meeting learners’ individual needs.

“As a result, learners, including those with the most complex needs, have full access to the curriculum. They are not disadvantaged by their SEND,” the report said.

Clare Sefton, college principal, said: “This exceptional achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work and passion of our staff, students and the entire college community.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition and will continue to build on our successes to ensure the highest standards of education and care for all those we support.”

Royal College Manchester was one of a handful of post-16 colleges that had to move students last year due to RAAC. Its status as an independent specialist meant it was ineligible for government funding to repair the crumbly concrete.

The college moved students to its old 1950s school building in September 2023 which leaders said “isn’t fit for purpose and was due to be demolished”. The college has spent £1 million over the past year to refurb the old site and plans to move into a new purpose-built building, a development which is costing £29.3 million in total, in 2026.

Latest education roles from

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Minerva Learning Trust

Head of Programme 2D Studies – City Lit

Head of Programme 2D Studies – City Lit

FEA

Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary

Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary

New City College

Principal (Harrow College) – HRUC

Principal (Harrow College) – HRUC

FEA

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

Helping every learner use AI responsibly

AI didn’t wait to be invited into the classroom. It burst in mid-lesson. Across UK colleges, learners are already...

Advertorial
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

More from this theme

Ofsted

ASCL and NEU to support NAHT in legal action against Ofsted

A judicial review claim was filed in May, warning the new inspection framework will 'only increase high-stakes accountability and...

Ruth Lucas
Ofsted

Nudge unit calls for ‘eye-catching’ national Ofsted inspection survey

Behavioural Insights Team also urges watchdog to 'emphasise' how to reduce the formality of conversations in inspector training

Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Ofsted

Ofsted reforms ‘the most sensible’ way forward, Oliver tells MPs

Chief inspector also praises watchdog’s ‘more human’ complaints process but admits to ‘concern’ over union tension

Billy Camden
Ofsted

ASCL drops Ofsted inspector threat – but mulls legal action

Union shelves plan to ask leaders to step down as inspectors - but says it has 'resolved to explore...

FE Week Reporter

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

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