Staff, Governors and Learners at Newbury College are reaping the rewards of all their hard work after fantastic praise from its Ofsted inspection, which has awarded the whole College a rating of 'Good'.
This judgment represents the best Ofsted report in the College's recent history and confirms the consistently high value which the College adds to all learners. Out of a total of 22 categories looking at the College's overall effectiveness, achievement and standards, personal development and well-being of students, capacity to improve, the quality of provision, and leadership and management, the College received 19 'good' judgments and a considerable number of 'Outstanding' comments were made about specific areas. These areas included; the results for many 16-18 year learner areas, Working with Businesses, Working in Partnerships, provision for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities and the support from Governors.
Anne Murdoch, College Principal is thrilled and said, "I am truly delighted that, following a full Ofsted inspection, we are now able to confirm that Newbury College is 'Good' overall. The report also confirms the hard work and commitment of everyone to ensure that all learners at the College get a good deal. Ofsted confirmed that Newbury College fosters a learning environment of trust, confidence and respect. In addition, Learners highly value the arrangement for providing information, advice, guidance and support. These are indeed accolades which everyone involved in the work of the College deserve".
The report noted that over the past four years outcomes for learners have improved significantly. Learners get their qualifications at rates which are good and in some cases, such as Level 2 results for younger learners, the results are outstanding. An extensive, well-developed range of vocational
programmes enables learners to enhance their employability prospects or move on to Higher Education or training and Programmes for Apprentices are good and completed in a pleasingly prompt way.
A testament to the work of all staff is the progress made by the College. The report confirms Newbury College is in the top 5% nationally in the value it adds to its learners during their course of study; a position it has held for two years.
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills. Their aim is to raise aspirations and contribute to the long term achievement of ambitious standards and better life chances.
For more information about Newbury College and the range full and part time January 2010 start courses available, please contact Learner Services and Information on 01635 845000 .