Newbury College maintains ‘good’ OFSTED rating after inspection

Newbury College maintains ‘good’ OFSTED rating after inspection and is commended for improving the quality of its provision

In a recent short inspection by OFSTED, Newbury College, West Berkshire’s only further education college, retained the ‘good’ rating it was awarded at its last inspection in 2015.

Inspectors noted that the college has worked with governors, managers and teachers to make sure it continues to provide good education and training for students. The report states that college staff share a culture of high expectations for students, which encourages the students to work hard, enjoy their learning, and have a good level of confidence in their abilities. It also states that the college provides ‘a very wide range of enrichment and sporting activities, many of which are employment-focused’.

In line with previous inspection reports, the college continues to provide a comprehensive programme of engagement with local and regional employers. This engagement has led the College to expand and enhance its resources, including the opening of an engineering solutions laboratory, designed to prepare students for work with local high-technology industries.

The report praises the college for excellent student behaviour and for improvements in attendance, progression and standards in English and mathematics, citing that ‘attendance in English and maths lessons has risen sharply during the past year and students’ skills have improved in these subjects’.

Inspectors also noted that senior leaders, managers and governors are proud of the fact that the college is good and steadily improving.

As well as full-time vocational courses for 14 to 18-year olds, the College also offers a range of course for adults.

Anne Murdoch, Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted that the report recognises that achievements for adult students at all levels are excellent. The report is especially positive about the relationships the College has with local employers and partners, and comments on how this greatly enhances students’ preparedness for their future careers. I’d like to thank the staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the continued rise in standards.”

The inspection was carried out on 23 and 24 May, the full report can be read here.

About Newbury College: Newbury College is an established high-quality provider of education and training. It offers around 1,000 courses from its campus in Monks Lane and at other venues across West Berkshire. It provides further and higher education, professional and vocational training, a wide range of leisure courses and works with local employers to promote apprenticeships. In 2015, Ofsted confirmed Newbury College as ‘good’ with some ‘outstanding’ features.