We’re feeling ‘good’ – and Ofsted agrees!

Bolton College is celebrating after being rated as ‘good’ in its recent Ofsted inspection. 

A team of Ofsted inspectors spent four days at the College in February, and they scrutinised all aspects of the college provision.  

In their final report, published today, they judged the overall effectiveness of the College to be a grade 2, which is ‘good’, stating the College ‘has worked hard since the last inspection to improve successfully the outcomes for learners and the quality of provision’. 

The College was praised for its broad and varied curriculum, with Ofsted particularly noting the quality of its 16-19 study programmes and Apprenticeships.  

The College delivers over 85 full-time 16-19 study programmes across 18 industry areas, and it was noted that ‘overall achievement rates have improved and are above those of similar providers’ with learners making good progress and achieving their qualifications. 

Feedback on its Apprenticeship programme was equally positive. The College works closely with employers throughout the North West to deliver over 50 programmes across 20 industry areas, and the report stated that achievement rates have ‘improved significantly …and are now above those of similar providers’.  

Learners on vocational courses within the College also developed ‘good practical and employability skills which reflect demanding industry standards. Progression rates of learners into training and employment are high’.  

The College was commended for its promotion of equality and diversity, which was deemed ‘exemplary’, and within College ‘standards of behaviour are good and learners demonstrate tolerance and respect towards their teachers and peers’. 

Support for learners within College was also a strong point, with the report commenting that learners have access to ‘well-targeted information, advice and careers guidance’ that meets ‘individual needs and enables learners to make informed choices about the next stages in their learning and career’. Additionally, learners with additional support needs ‘make good progress’ and those ‘with high needs quickly develop their skills and confidence to become independent’.    

Improvements in the quality of teaching and learning were also recognised, this being a result of teachers engaging ‘enthusiastically in the extensive staff development programmes’ offered by the College.   

Andrew Roberts, Chair of Governors at the College, said ‘Thanks to our fantastic leadership, staff and students the College is a great environment to learn in, and Ofsted’s findings support this. I am thrilled with the result; the College continues to go from strength to strength, and we will ensure we carry on providing excellent learning opportunities for the people of Bolton and Greater Manchester’.    

Bill Webster, Principal of Bolton College, said ‘We are delighted with the results from the inspection; the report is reflective of the quality of the provision we provide. Ofsted’s findings are a testament to the commitment displayed by each and every person who works and learns in the College, and myself and my colleagues will continue to work together to ensure that the learner is at the heart of all that we do’.