‘Fantastic Result for Worthing’ Worthing College is ‘Good’ in every respect (Ofsted, April 2016)
Ofsted says Worthing College is ‘GOOD’ in every respect Worthing College was inspected by Ofsted from 22-25 February 2016. The inspection team of 7 inspectors observed many lessons, reviewed students’ exam results and spoke to students, staff and other college stakeholders.
Their conclusion was that Worthing College is ‘Good’ in every respect. Tim Loughton, MP said: “This is a fantastic result for the College, the staff, students and governors and the whole of the Worthing community who can be proud to have such a highly rated place of learning at our heart. The college has been on an ambitious journey and all that hard work, dedication and belief has clearly been vindicated in this report and is richly deserved. It is an exceptional achievement that the College has been rated ‘good’ across every single criteria and clearly this achievement is based on a strong team effort and ethos which underlies the whole approach to learning. It is particularly encouraging to see the very strong recognition of the leadership and management team and the attractiveness of the learning environment for students undoubtedly encouraging a substantial proportion of them to realise their ambitions to going on to higher education. Worthing College is clearly playing an important part in the regeneration of Worthing as an important powerhouse of learning, business and innovation, and I warmly congratulate all involved in this excellent achievement.”
Sir Peter Bottomley, MP said: “I congratulate all the students and all the staff, academic and support, together with the governors for this outstanding assessment. Despite the difficulties of moving the College from Bolsover road to the new campus, and in face of the funding difficulties from government, the College has clearly been raising the levels of achievements. I predict that potential students from a wider area will be applying to Worthing so they can work hard with success. Every visitor to Worthing College notices the sense of purpose. It is good that OFSTED agree. There is an ordered atmosphere with the expectation of doing well at every level. I am proud of Worthing College. The town and district can be pleased: they will join me in thanking you for your dedicated outstanding leadership.”
College Principal, Peter Corrigan said: “As College Principal, I am extremely proud and pleased with the outcomes from this inspection. The inspection report confirms that Worthing College is a Good college with significant strengths in every area inspected by Ofsted. The report is a great testimony to our hard working, respectful, well behaved and very talented students. The report identifies that students work very hard, enjoy their lessons, achieve great results and have the skills and qualifications to progress to apprenticeships, employment and higher education. The report is also great testimony to the skill, dedication, hard work and sheer professionalism of Worthing College’s staff. Students benefit from very good teaching and support throughout their time at college. The fantastic experience students enjoy is a direct result of the determination of staff to support their success. The college will now focus on continuous improvement and our vision to become an outstanding college.” Further details are as follows:
The key findings of inspectors were: Teaching, Learning and Assessment are good ‘Students enjoy their lessons and are actively engaged in developing the skills required to succeed.’ ‘Teachers have successfully developed Independent Study Packs to extend student learning beyond the classroom.’ ‘The rigour of assessment and constructive feedback to students are key features of the increase in student achievements.’ ‘Teachers communicate frequently and effectively with parents. Parents’ events are well attended and staff provide constructive advice on ways students can improve grades and plan for their next step.’ ‘Most teachers successfully create and select stimulating learning resources and activities to engage and challenge their students.’ ‘The majority of students are well motivated and develop their subject knowledge beyond that required by the qualification.’ Success rates for student exams are significantly i improved and are now high ‘The proportion of students who complete and achieve their qualifications has improved significantly and is now above the high rate for Sixth Form Colleges nationally.’ ‘Most students make good progress given their starting points.’
Overall Effectiveness
GOOD
Effectiveness of Leadership and Management
GOOD
Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
GOOD
‘Students work at a particularly high level and discuss sophisticated ideas and concepts.’
Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare
GOOD
‘AS and A Level students develop good independent study skills.’
16 - 19 Study Programmes
GOOD
Apprenticeships
GOOD
‘The standard of students’ work is good.’
This inspection report has confirmed that Worthing College offers an outstanding student experience allied to outstanding facilities and resources. Worthing College is the place to be and prospective students do not need to look elsewhere. At the FE Spring Awards held in May 2016 Worthing College students Stewart mattyhews, Rosie Scordoulis, Lizzie Williams, Andrew Jeffery and Adel Msolly all won prestigious awards.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment are GOOD
Effectiveness of Leadership and Management is GOOD 16 -19 Study Programmes are good
Apprenticeship achievement rates are high
‘Teachers encourage students to explore ideas in depth, assess each student’s progress carefully and set high expectations for the standard of their work.’
‘The vast majority of apprentices gain full time employment on completing their apprenticeship or continue their education.’
‘Teachers set high expectations and students make good progress.’
‘Apprenticeship success rates are very high.’
‘Teachers provide interesting and challenging work in and out of lessons.’ ‘Teachers promote a supporting and caring environment.’ Students enjoy college life, they work hard, are respectful and behave well
‘Employers speak very highly of apprentices.’ ‘College staff ensure that apprentices receive good initial induction and job-related training.’ ‘Apprentices receive effective information, advice and guidance to support their progression to employment or further training.’
‘Students enjoy college life. Students are confident, self-assured, hardworking and well behaved in, and out, of lessons.’ ‘Punctuality and attendance are good.’ ‘Students are safe and feel safe.’ ‘Support and intervention strategies for students at risk of not making expected progress are effective including additional workshops which enable them to catch up with work and improve exam results.’ The college curriculum and support for students is good ‘The development of the college’s curriculum and partnership and collaborative work remain strengths.’ ‘The range of academic and vocational courses is wide.’ ‘Students and apprentices take vocational courses that have clear progression routes into work or further training.’ ‘The majority of students considering higher education as part of their next step effectively use the helpful advice and guidance from college staff and external sources, with most receiving an offer from their first choice University.’ ‘Students are particularly well supported throughout any personal difficulties and staff pay particular attention to students in care.’
Leadership and Management are good ‘Managers maintain strong links with partners to ensure students benefit from a broad curriculum with clear routes to progress further.’ ‘Leaders and managers have shown determination to bring about improvement and a shift towards a culture of high expectations is discernible.’ ‘Managers at all levels have taken effective action to ensure that teaching, learning and assessment are now consistently good.’ ‘Managers expectations of effective teaching are now widely shared with staff and implemented.’ ‘Governors have a good understanding of the main features of the college’s educational and financial performance.’ Full details and a complete version of the Ofsted Report can be found at www.worthing.ac.uk Published August 2016