.@Sparsholt_Coll ege rated Outstanding again

Sparsholt college has retained its Ofsted Outstanding rating for its student accommodation.

Wraparound care and support and top class teaching facilities makes Sparsholt College the obvious choice for aspiring students of land, environment, equine and the huge range of other animal courses including Zoo Animal management which is a national reference specialism. Due to the specialised nature of the college’s courses and its recognised standing across the sector, many students come from huge distances and need to live on the College’s wonderful campus.

In a no notice inspection, inspectors spent two days in May looking at the Residential Services provided by the college for the 200 students aged 16-18 and living in college accommodation. Inspectors rated three key elements of the college’s provision for young people in their accommodation: overall experiences and progress of young people; how well young people are helped and protected; the effectiveness of leaders and managers – deeming them all to be Outstanding.

Deputy Principal Martin Simmons commented:

“One of the key findings which resonated with me was ‘The residential students live in an inclusive and supportive community which enriches their experiences and positively influences their development’. I believe this really epitomises the professionalism and passion of the staff team who are so committed to ensuring that students get the very best from their time at college.” Inspectors also underlined that “all the staff work collaboratively and share a common purpose to help each individual student achieve their potential” and that “safeguarding the residential students is at the heart of staff’s practice“.

College Principal Tim Jackson felt the report was a resounding endorsement of the College’s commitment to excellence and said:

“Students at Sparsholt come from all over the country to access its specialist learning facilities. They are able to tap into the tremendous network of occupational contacts which have defined the college for many decades, which often leads directly to employment in their chosen field on completion of their course. I am delighted that inspectors recognised the care and support we give our residential students to achieve their full potential whilst they are with us.”

Coming fast on the heels of a Gold Standard for University Centre Sparsholt and a successful Matrix reaccreditation for the information and guidance the college offers to both existing and prospective students, this Outstanding rating for Residential Services cements Sparsholt’s place as the leading land, animal and environment college in the region. With specialisms like Zoo Animal Management and Game and Wildlife Management, Sparsholt courses are nationally recognised for their excellence.