Ofsted Inspectors give Bridgwater College ‘Outstanding’ designation

The first colleges with a Land-based curriculum to be designated 'Outstanding'

Bridgwater College's Land-based Studies Centres (in Cannington, Paignton and Yeovil… offering courses in Agriculture, Countryside Management, Animal Care, Horticulture and Arboriculture) were inspected as part of the College's recent annual assessment visit by Ofsted Inspectors.

Following the visit, staff and students of the College were thrilled to learn that they would be one of the first three colleges in the country (Bridgwater College, Truro College Cornwall and Hills Road Sixth Form College Cambridge) to receive the new Ofsted designation of 'Outstanding College'. Inspectors awarded the College an incredible five 'outstanding' Grade 1s for: Effectiveness of Provision, Achievements and Standards, Quality of Provision, Leadership and Management and Capacity to Improve. By achieving Grade 1 in every aspect of the inspection, the College has now become an Ofsted designated 'Outstanding College' and, as a consequence, will not be inspected again for a further three years.

In his summary report, the lead inspector said: "The College provides outstanding education and training and fulfils its mission to inspire learners to achieve success. Leadership and management are outstanding and are focused on ensuring that all learners fulfil their potential. The College is committed to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning and there are very effective mechanisms in place to ensure this happens. Teaching and learning is outstanding. Learners are set challenging targets and receive exceptional support to help them achieve these targets. The curriculum provides an excellent mix of vocational and academic qualifications. Guidance and support for learners is outstanding. The College takes very great care to ensure that learners are on the right course and settle in well. Overall success rates for all learners are outstanding compared to similar colleges. Their achievement of high grades is exceptional and well above national averages for similar colleges. The College's responsiveness to the needs of employers is outstanding. It is very effective at engaging employers across a range of occupational areas, successfully identifying and meeting their training needs."

Tom Williams, College Head of Land-based Studies, said: "We are delighted Ofsted have recognised the high quality of our provision and particularly the improvements in courses and student results that have occurred since the merger between the former Cannington College and Bridgwater College. To be designated 'Outstanding' after such a short period is a great reward to the staff who have
worked hard to ensure students achieve success and fulfil their potential. This inspection result is an incredible achievement for the College and for our Land-based Studies Centres. Ofsted do not award 'outstanding' grades lightly and to achieve such grades for all five areas is really exceptional.

We are all very proud to receive the designation of 'Outstanding College' and with the confidence gained from this inspection we look forward to inspiring our future Land-based Studies students on Agriculture, Horticulture, Countryside Management, Animal Care to achieve success."

Photo: Tom Williams - College Area Head for Land-based Studies.

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