Ofsted Report commends Cheshire College’s strong contribution to skills

Cheshire College – South & West has continued its track record as one of the region’s top educational institutions, earning a ‘Good’ rating across all areas, as well as being awarded the top grade of ‘strong contribution to skills’ in its latest Ofsted report.

Colleges across the country are subject to enhanced Ofsted inspections, which include a specific judgement on contribution to skills. This judgement is reached by assessing how the college identifies and meets regional skills needs, which contribute to a thriving economy.

During the inspection in October 2024, Cheshire College was awarded the top outcome of ‘strong’ due to their highly successful relationships with employers, local authorities and communities, and commitment to collaboration.

The report recognises that the College’s collaborative approach has made a significant impact in preparing students for success in a diverse range of industries, reinforcing the institution’s role as a key player in driving economic growth for Cheshire and beyond.

Inspectors highlighted the creation of skills bootcamps for engineering and rail, alongside new courses to develop skilled workers in hydrogen, smart metering and low-carbon energy.

As the largest further education provider in the region with three sites: Ellesmere

Port, Crewe and Chester, Cheshire College serves a diverse community. At the time of inspection, the College had over 4,600 students aged 16-18 enrolled on a wide variety of courses. The College also supports over 1,500 adult students and 650 apprenticeship students, catering to local people at different stages of their education.

Reflecting on the results, Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College said:

“We are delighted with the outcome of our Ofsted inspection, which affirms the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. Achieving ‘Good’ across all areas with recognition for strong contribution to skills demonstrates our commitment to delivering an exceptional learning experience and preparing our students for success in their future careers.”

The inspection report also commended the College’s approach to education, noting that students and apprentices are highly motivated and eager to learn, demonstrating positive and professional behaviours.

Dhesi emphasised that, “By setting and maintaining high standards, we ensure that our students not only succeed academically but also develop the professional attitudes that will serve them well throughout their lives."

In addition, the report praised the students’ access to high-quality work placements and the broad extracurricular opportunities available, from chess to arts. Initiatives, such as the Scholars programme, foster academic development and prepare students for applying to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.

Dhesi added, “Our focus remains on building on our success, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our students and provide them with the skills they need to succeed in an everevolving world.”

For more information on Cheshire College – South & West’s Ofsted results or to learn more about courses and opportunities available, please visit www.ccsw.ac.uk

Free courses to help adults upskill and advance their careers

Cheshire College – South & West is continuing to offer a wide range of free courses designed to help adults enhance their professional skills and improve career prospects.

With a focus on adults who are currently employed and looking to upskill or seeking to switch careers, these courses provide an opportunity to gain new qualifications and increase employability in a competitive job market.

The free courses, available through the “Free Courses for Jobs” scheme, cover a variety of in-demand industries. These fully funded courses aim to make career progression more accessible by removing financial barriers and offering tailored learning paths to meet the needs of the workforce.

The initiative is designed to help remove the financial barriers for adults returning to education and tackle skills shortages in key sectors. Courses include digital skills, business, healthcare, construction, and leadership, ensuring adult learners gain valuable qualifications that are directly relevant to the evolving job market.

Jasbir Dhesi, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College – South & West commented “We understand that many adults in the workforce are eager to develop new skills but often face barriers such as finances and time constraints.”

“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to gain the skills needed for career progression or a career change. By removing financial barriers, we’re providing a clear pathway to enhance professional capabilities, open new doors, and help individuals achieve their career goals.”

Eligible individuals must meet the specific criteria. This includes those employed and earning less than £25,000, those studying for their first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, or those unemployed looking to study a course that is part of the Level 3 free courses for jobs scheme. The courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of local businesses, ensuring that students acquire relevant skills in high demand by employers. Additionally, students can take advantage of the College’s extensive network of industry connections, which can help them access valuable career opportunities and prepare for new job challenges.