Staff, Governors and Students at Newbury College are celebrating a 'Good' result in their recent Ofsted inspection. The College has maintained its Ofsted rating of 'Good' overall and is delighted by the praise given by inspectors to the work the College does with its students.
Ofsted commended the College on its good teaching which develops learners' knowledge and skills, as well as the use of highly innovative strategies to develop learners' personal, social and employability skills using the College's Passport to Progression programme. Inspectors also found the College has very high progression rates to employment and further study at a higher level.
The report highlights the very good information, advice and guidance the College makes available to learners, along with very thorough and effective additional learning support. In addition, as in previous inspection reports, Ofsted praises the high quality provision for learners with severe or complex learning difficulties and/or disabilities enabling learners to develop greater independence.
As an organisation with an established history of vocational provision in and around West Berkshire, Newbury College was also praised for its strong employer links that help ensure the College responds well, both to the local and regional priorities set by the Local Education Partnership (LEP) and to the employment opportunities available in the region.
Dr Anne Murdoch, College Principal said, "I am delighted that, following a four day inspection, Newbury College is graded as 'Good' on all measures used by inspectors. The report confirms the hard work and commitment of everyone to ensure that all our learners at the College receive really good education and training. Ofsted confirmed that Newbury College learners value their programmes, feel valued and safe, and achieve in their programmes at every level. In addition, learners appreciate the arrangements for providing information, advice, guidance and support".
Newbury College has consistently outperformed similar providers nationally by continuing to focus on developing learning for individuals and business. For 2013/14, overall student achievement on their courses was 97%. Ofsted commented that the strong and clear corporate vision ensures the College responds well to individual learners as well as to employers.
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.