New College has been praised by OFSTED inspectors once again, who have graded the College as ‘good’ overall. ‘Good’ and ‘outstanding’ grades have been awarded to the College since 2000, marking over fifteen years of consistently ‘good’ education.
OFSTED congratulated New College on effectively maintaining the breadth of its curriculum, enabling learners to take courses to help with progression onto further education, training or employment.
Teachers were praised for their ability to provide a good structure for learning, with OFSTED commenting that learners receive a good standard of teaching, learning and assessment. They felt that teachers and learners benefit from effective professional development that teachers receive on topics such as mentoring and target-setting. This contributes to both engaging in productive and stimulating discussions in lessons.
Classroom resources and College amenities such as the Gym and excellent sports facilities were praised. The report stated that facilities enhance learners’ skills through the effective use of more specialist facilities, such as information communication technology and performance and rehearsal spaces.
OFSTED recognised that the vast majority of learners progress onto higher-level courses within the College or to higher education or training and a high proportion of apprentices gain promotion. Learners gain good skills for employment through the tutorial programme, Upskill, which has provided a new platform for them to develop the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century work-place. The numbers of learners undertaking work experience has increased greatly, with highly positive feedback showing its impact in helping to improve understanding of work and employment.
Good progress has been made amongst managers and teaching staff, with raising standards of achievement in GCSE English and Functional Skills. The proportion of learners who now achieve high grades has improved since previous inspection and is now significantly above the rate of similar providers.
New College Principal Graham Taylor commented:
“We are delighted that we have been graded good overall; to have maintained this standard for many years is a great achievement.
To have been recognised for our efforts in improving and providing further work experience opportunities to learners though our Upskill tutorial programme is fantastic. Feedback amongst learners has been very positive, alongside our recent placing in the FE Week League Table, where we were placed joint first for 16-18 positive progression.”
Paul James, Director of Curriculum commented:
“We are delighted that Ofsted have recognised the good work at New College and the areas that we have improved on since the last inspection. Staff are dedicated to improving the learning experience for our students, supporting our aims to provide a well-developed and high quality curriculum.”
