Independent Schools Inspectorate 2016 by CTC Aviation

EDUCATIONAL OVERSIGHT INSPECTION OF PRIVATE FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGES AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

EXTENDED MONITORING VISIT

CTC AVIATION GROUP LTD (Company Registration Number - 03071634)

Full Name

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

Address

Mauretania Road, Nursling, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 0YS

Parent\Company name L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. Telephone Number

02380737567

Email Address

customer.support@l-3com.com

Website

www.ctcaviation.com

Principal

Mr Rob Clarke

Proprietor

Mr Rob Clarke

Age Range

18+

Total number of students

411

Numbers by age and type of study

18+:

411

FE only:

411

Inspection date

17 May 2016

PREFACE This inspection report follows the Framework for Educational Oversight Monitoring Visits and Extended Monitoring Visits of private further education colleges and English language schools. The focus of the visit is to confirm that the quality standards reported at the last full inspection are being maintained. The ISI is an approved Educational Oversight body authorised by the Home Office to inspect privately funded further education colleges and English language schools in England and Wales offering courses on the Qualifications and Credit Framework. It is designed to improve the quality of education on offer to international cadets who attend UK colleges through Tier 4 of the points-based system for student visas. ISI inspections are required to: • Report on the extent to which colleges comply with the published Educational Oversight Standards; •

Assess and report on the quality of educational outcomes and provision;

•

Where applicable, make recommendations outside the scope of the Standards to support continued improvement of quality.

Inspection provides objective and reliable reports on the quality of colleges, and by placing reports in the public domain, makes this information available to cadets, Government and the wider community. Inspection takes account of the context of each individual college, and of how it evaluates its own performance and demonstrates its success. The inspection of the college is from an educational perspective and provides limited inspection of other aspects, though inspectors will comment on any significant hazards or problems they encounter which have an adverse impact on cadets. The inspection does not include: (i) an exhaustive health and safety audit; (ii) an in-depth examination of the structural condition of the college, its services or other physical features; (iii) an investigation of the financial viability of the college or its accounting procedures; (iv) an in-depth investigation of the college’s compliance with employment law. An extended monitoring visit is for those colleges found at the last inspection to have met or exceeded the quality Standards for Educational Oversight. Inspectors will make judgements on progress against any action points and recommendations made at that time. The inspection will not examine all other Standards in detail but will sample to confirm that previous Standards have been maintained and that there are no contrary indicators to those quality judgements. Inspectors will also consider the impact of any material change reported since the last inspection.

CONTENTS Page

CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTEXT

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

THE QUALITY OF THE CURRICULUM, TEACHING AND LEARNERS’ ACHIEVEMENTS

STUDENTS’ WELFARE, INCLUDING HEALTH AND SAFETY

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

ACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

INSPECTION EVIDENCE

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

Extended Monitoring Visit

CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTEXT

1.1

CTC Aviation was founded in 1995. It was originally formed as an academy to train commercial pilots for the airline industry. It is now part of L-3 Communications, a large international organisation based in the USA which operates in the aerospace and security sectors. CTC Aviation has five sites in the UK: Southampton, which is the headquarters, Bournemouth Airport, Coventry, Gatwick Airport and Dibden Manor near Southampton, the airline resourcing and selection centre. In addition to the UK operations there are centres in Hamilton, New Zealand and Phoenix, USA where UK cadets undertake their initial phase of flying training. For the purposes of this inspection, the inspection team only visited Southampton.

1.2

A board of directors oversees the academy. The mission of the company is to deliver innovative airline pilot training, resourcing and simulation solutions in true partnership with customers, trainees and airlines, focusing on building strong relationships and delivering excellence in all they do.

1.3

The academy provides a range of courses which train cadets to become qualified commercial pilots. At the time of the inspection there were 411 long-term cadets undertaking such training. In addition, there were qualified pilots from a range of airlines undertaking update training. All cadets are aged 18 years or more, with an average age of 23 years. The majority are male and are from the UK. A minority come from other countries in Europe and the Middle and Far East. Approximately 15 per cent speak English as an additional language.

1.4

Applicants undergo a lengthy selection process which assesses their aptitude for pilot training. For those with English as an additional language there is a requirement to have a standard English test result at level B2. Medical requirements of the industry require that all applicants undergo a class 1 medical which precludes those with physical disabilities. There are no cadets with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)

1.5

This monitoring visit has been extended due to a change of proprietor. For this reason, Section 5 of the Educational Oversight Framework will be looked at in detail.

1.6

The academy was last inspected on the 12 May 2015 when it met all Key Standards and the quality of education was judged to exceed expectations.

1.7

The recommendations from the previous report are: •

Seek feedback from cadets at more frequent intervals, so that suggestions for improvement include better detail on modules delivered earlier in the programme.

•

Link cadets from different groups together so that those who are more experienced can guide and support those new to the programme.

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

Extended Monitoring Visit

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

2.1

The academy exceeds expectations. At the previous inspection of 12 May 2015 the academy was found to exceed expectations and the quality of education as judged at that time has been maintained.

2.2

The quality of the curriculum, teaching and learners’ achievements is excellent. Course provision is very well planned. It meets the requirements of the aviation industry and the career objectives of cadets. Courses on offer to Tier 4 visa cadets meet the definition of an approved qualification, as set out in the Home Office guidance. Teaching and learning are excellent and as a result cadets make very good progress. Instructors are very well qualified and have appropriate experience in the aviation industry. They use an appropriate range of teaching strategies and high quality learning resources that motivate and involve cadets in their learning. In a small minority of lessons, cadets are less involved and therefore less motivated to learn. Cadets’ attainments are outstanding. Examination and test results are significantly higher than national averages. The vast majority complete their courses successfully and are successful in achieving placements with airlines.

2.3

Cadets’ welfare, including health and safety, is excellent. Health and safety is very well managed, with a strong commitment from senior managers and thorough implementation of policy and procedures. The premises are of a very high quality, with well-maintained and very well-equipped training, studying and social facilities. The academy is a safe and secure place to study and work. Admission and attendance records are accurate and well monitored; attendance rates are very high. Pastoral care is very good. Induction for new cadets is very thorough and excellent advice and guidance is provided on careers and airline placement. A dedicated team is available to respond to personal issues raised. However, a minority of cadets are not aware of who to approach with concerns and feedback in the period between the previous learning development manager leaving and her successor starting.

2.4

The effectiveness of governance, leadership and management is excellent. All aspects of the academy are monitored closely by the board and managers, reflecting a strong commitment to high standards of provision and continuous improvement. Policies and procedures are comprehensive, reviewed regularly and ensure that regulatory and statutory requirements are met. Leadership and management are excellent and managers are very aware of the need to share their vision and development plans with staff. However, a minority of staff state that there is insufficient communication on changes to the management structure. The management of quality assurance is very thorough. All aspects of the academy’s performance are monitored and evaluated systematically, with priorities for improvement identified and understood. The collection and use of cadet feedback has been strengthened and is used systematically to identify actions for change. Achievement data is also used effectively to evaluate training. Comprehensive staff recruitment procedures ensure that high quality staff are selected and that all appropriate suitability checks are made. A thorough staff review process ensures that staff remain well qualified and undertake further training where appropriate.

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

Extended Monitoring Visit

THE QUALITY OF THE CURRICULUM, TEACHING AND LEARNERS’ ACHIEVEMENTS

3.1

The quality of the curriculum, teaching and learners’ achievements is excellent. All Key Standards continue to be met.

3.2

Course provision is very well planned and information on courses for cadets and applicants is accurate and realistic. The academy has a clear statement of educational purpose, supported by comprehensive and appropriate teaching plans and schemes of work. These are designed to meet all of the requirements of the regulatory bodies in the aviation industry: the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This ensures that course content and learning experiences provided for cadets are relevant and prepare them effectively for work as commercial pilots. The planning of courses and instruction also reflects the needs of cadets and supports and encourages their progression and attainment on programmes. The majority of cadets now have the opportunity to combine their commercial pilot training with an honours degree in professional aviation pilot practice.

3.3

The demands of the training programmes are high and this is reflected in the very thorough approach to recruitment. Where cadets have additional English language needs, these are met by appropriate additional support. The very large majority of cadets complete their courses successfully. Courses on offer to Tier 4 visa cadets meet the definition of an approved qualification, as set out in the Home Office guidance.

3.4

The quality of teaching and learning is excellent. Instructors are very well qualified and all have relevant aviation industry experience. This strengthens the training provided, has a positive impact on learning and helps cadets to make very good progress. Instructors demonstrate a good understanding of the aptitudes, cultural background, needs and prior attainments of the cadets.

3.5

Lessons are well planned and make effective use of the very extensive, high quality learning resources available to support learning. A range of effective teaching methods and suitable learning activities is used at an appropriate pace to meet the needs of cadets. Cadets are fully engaged in learning and well motivated. During flying training much of the instruction is one to one or with pairs of cadets, reflecting the demand of that phase of training and meeting individual needs. Additional sessions are planned for smaller groups and individuals if required. In a small minority of lessons instructors cover the lesson topics clearly, but cadets are not sufficiently involved in learning and are therefore not as attentive and motivated.

3.6

Cadets are assessed constantly to monitor progress and feedback is timely, reliable and consistent. This information is used to set individual targets and offer additional tutorials if required. This process supports independent learning and motivates cadets to participate and make progress.

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

3.7

Extended Monitoring Visit

The progress and attainments of cadets are outstanding. Examination and test results are significantly higher than national averages. In the theoretical knowledge examinations, approximately 95 per cent pass at the first sitting. The proportion of cadets who successfully complete their training and who then attain placements with airlines is very high.

ÂŠ Independent Schools Inspectorate 2015

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

Extended Monitoring Visit

STUDENTS’ WELFARE, INCLUDING HEALTH AND SAFETY

4.1

Students’ welfare, including health and safety, is excellent. continue to be met.

4.2

The recommendation in this area from the previous inspection report is: •

All Key Standards

Link cadets from different groups together so that those who are more experienced can guide and support those new to the programme.

4.3

Excellent progress has been made against the above recommendation. Regular opportunities are now provided for cadets from different phases in their training to meet and discuss course and career issues. These include employed graduates from the academy who return as airline ambassadors to advise cadets.

4.4

There are very effective arrangements for managing the health and safety of cadets and staff. Appropriate policies are in place which are comprehensive, regularly reviewed and implemented thoroughly. Health and safety has a very high priority within the academy and issues are discussed regularly in management and senior management meetings. Health and safety procedures are very thorough, with comprehensive risk assessments for premises and activities, and well-developed fire prevention and first aid measures. Safety and emergency equipment is regularly maintained and up to date. All checks made are well recorded. As a result the academy is a safe place for cadets and staff to study and work.

4.5

The premises are of a very high quality. They are well maintained and fit for purpose, providing well-furnished, light and spacious teaching and briefing rooms. In addition, the academy provides high quality learning resources and equipment, including well-maintained industry standard flight simulators, computer based training stations and instrumentation rooms. Good quality, spacious study and social areas are available. Security arrangements for the premises are excellent.

4.6

Admission and attendance records are accurate and well managed. Admission procedures are very thorough. Cadets are enrolled after a rigorous selection and assessment process to ensure those joining courses can have high and realistic expectations of success. Attendance is carefully monitored and attendance rates are very high. Reporting requirements to the Home Office are in place and understood for those cadets on Tier 4 visas who fail to attend or withdraw from courses.

4.7

Personal and pastoral support for cadets is very good. Induction of new cadets is comprehensive and well managed. Students are presented with detailed information on key policies, academy and course procedures and facilities. Male and female staff are available to respond to personal issues raised by students. A minority of cadets are not aware of who to approach with concerns and feedback, in the period between the previous learning development manager leaving and her successor joining the academy.

4.8

There is a good social programme which is appropriate to the age and interests of the cadets. Career advice and guidance is excellent, supported by very good links

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

Extended Monitoring Visit

between the academy and airlines. For those cadets who are not already linked to an airline, the academy offers a dedicated airline placement service for course graduates. The academy has an excellent record for placing graduates in appropriate jobs.

ÂŠ Independent Schools Inspectorate 2015

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

Extended Monitoring Visit

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

5.1

The effectiveness of governance, leadership and management is excellent. All Key Standards continue to be met.

5.2

The recommendation in this area from the previous inspection report is: •

Seek feedback from cadets at more frequent intervals, so that suggestions for improvement include better detail on modules delivered earlier in the programme.

5.3

Good progress has been made against the above recommendation. Cadet feedback is collected more regularly and formal feedback is enhanced by regular meetings between managers and groups of cadets. Feedback is analysed and reported to training managers and senior managers. It is used systematically to improve provision. The academy is responsive to the views of cadets, and many changes have been initiated as a result of their feedback.

5.4

The CTC Aviation board of directors provides very effective oversight in line with its educational direction and the demands of the aviation training sector. The leadership team sets clear standards and targets; it monitors provision closely through regular meetings and by responding to weekly monitoring reports summarising performance across a range of areas including cadets’ achievements and feedback. The leadership team provides support and development opportunities to staff, and fully recognises its responsibilities for establishing policies and procedures to meet regulatory and statutory requirements. All policies are regularly reviewed, up to date and appropriate. The academy benefits from the financial stability and investment provided by CTC Aviation’s ownership by L-3 Communications, and from the opportunities to share and standardise good practice between different training locations in the group.

5.5

There is a strong management structure; staff have clear and well-understood roles and responsibilities which meet the requirements of the regulatory bodies and the needs of the academy. Communication between staff is good. The majority of staff regularly attend meetings at which they are well informed about operational issues, discuss developments and identify actions. Senior managers are very aware of the need to share their vision and development plans with staff, but a minority of staff state that there is insufficient communication on changes to the management structure. This includes staff working as regular contractors, who do not receive information emails from the company.

5.6

There is a strong commitment to continuous improvement and to meeting the needs of each cadet. This is strongly supported by systematic monitoring and target setting. Arrangements for quality assurance are very effective and well managed. Evidence on the academy’s performance is collected and recorded systematically, with a strong auditing focus to ensure compliance with the requirements of the regulatory bodies. The quality process also provides comprehensive coverage of all

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

Extended Monitoring Visit

aspects of provision, and data from cadet achievements is used effectively to evaluate provision. Self-evaluation is very effective. It provides an accurate account of key strengths and areas for development. Managers are very aware of these and effectively identify priorities for improvement. 5.7

The academy is very successful in securing and retaining staff of a very high quality. A thorough system of staff review, including regular observations and training of instructors, ensures staff are well qualified for the work they do.

5.8

The selection of new staff is very thorough and has resulted in the appointment of high quality staff. Selection and recruitment procedures are very comprehensive and ensure that all appropriate identity and suitability checks are made and recorded before staff are appointed. Staff involved in the selection of cadets, who may still be under 18 years at the point of selection, all undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) suitability checks to ensure that they are suitable to work with young people.

5.9

The provision of information is very good. The website and all other information on courses and facilities provide realistic and accurate information. The academy was extremely responsive in providing all requested information to inspectors prior to and during the inspection.

ÂŠ Independent Schools Inspectorate 2015

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

Extended Monitoring Visit

ACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The academy has maintained the excellent quality found at the last inspection.

Recommendations for further improvement In order to further improve the excellent quality provided, the academy should: •

Ensure that all instructors involve cadets actively in learning.

•

Ensure that all cadets are aware of who to go to regarding personal issues, especially when changes are being made to key staff in the customer experience unit.

•

Strengthen communication to all staff on changes made to the academy’s management structure.

CTC Aviation Group Ltd

Extended Monitoring Visit

INSPECTION EVIDENCE The inspectors observed lessons and conducted formal interviews with cadets. They held discussions with senior members of staff and with representatives of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board, and attended registration sessions. The responses of staff and cadets to confidential preinspection questionnaires were analysed, and the inspectors examined regulatory documentation made available by the academy.

Inspectors

Mr Neil Haynes

Lead Inspector

Ms Sarah Colmar

Team Inspector

Mr Martin Roundell Greene

Team Inspector

ÂŠ Independent Schools Inspectorate 2015