Ofsted gives thumbs-up to Telford college

Education watchdog Ofsted has acknowledged the ‘exemplary’ behaviour and attitude of New College Telford students in its latest inspection.

The college has retained its grade three rating following the latest inspection, which comes as it prepares to merge with neighbouring Telford College of Arts and Technology.

The report recognised the ‘marked improvement’ in the number of learners achieving A Level or level three vocational qualifications, which it said were at least as high as similar colleges.  

“High quality facilities create a good and productive learning environment for all courses,” it added. 

The report also said learners on the college’s vocational programmes were making good progress as a result of good planning by teachers.

“Learners’ behaviour and attitudes to study and work are exemplary,” it said.

Ofsted highlighted the way staff work well with external agencies to ensure the safeguarding of students, and said the college team had managed the transition of apprenticeships effectively.

The report also said New College Telford had aligned its curriculum well to local priorities.

“Learners on vocational programmes make good progress to extend prior learning, and link their studies to the world of work.

“Most learners achieve their qualifications and progress into further learning, higher education or employment.”

It added: “The number of apprentices has increased substantially, in response to employers’ needs and the demands of the local economy.”

“The majority of classroom-based learners study a combination of academic and vocational subjects. Leaders have chosen programmes carefully to meet the identified priorities in the local area, particularly in health and care, and in hospitality and catering.”

The Ofsted report rated New College Telford ‘Good’ in the area of personal development, behaviour and welfare.

It said further improvement was still required in other areas, but highlighted a strong commitment to ensuring learners make progress.

The report also recognised that A Level and advanced vocational subjects had seen a marked improvement in achievement since the previous inspection.

And it recognised that managers were now placing a higher priority on improving the quality of support for Maths and English.

“Staff promote diversity well in the college, clearly valuing the contribution of all learners, listening to their views and acting on them,” it said.

“Managers and staff create an environment of mutual respect, where differences between people are discussed openly.”

The report described New College Telford’s teachers and support staff as ‘approachable and helpful’.

“Learners are punctual, their attendance at lessons and tutorials is high, and they arrive at college well prepared to study. They are respectful, co-operative, and very well behaved in lessons and social areas.

“Apprentices develop good vocational skills in their chosen fields, supported by assessors who are well qualified and experiences in specialist professional areas.”

New College Telford’s interim principal Martin Smith said: "I am very pleased that the report acknowledges the improvements made since the last inspection and the commitment of all staff to continue such improvement.

“We still have work to do, but understand clearly the direction of travel.”

Caption: New College Telford students Thomas Billington, Vicki Cox and Amber Mansell celebrate their A Level results – Ofsted said A Level and advanced vocational subjects had seen a marked improvement