Preston’s College graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted

Following a recent inspection, Further Education provider Preston’s College has been awarded an overall ‘Good’ grade by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted).

Ofsted, the government education inspection body, was particularly pleased with the improvements made at the College over the last two years, indicating that ‘students and apprentices work to high-level industrial standards and benefit from coaching and support from knowledgeable and well-qualified staff.’

The report highlighted the College’s overall effectiveness against eight key themes, including the ‘quality of teaching, learning and assessment’, ‘16-19 study programmes’, ‘adult learning programmes’, and ‘apprenticeships’.

Of the eight themes, the College was graded as ‘Good’ in seven areas, with only apprenticeships graded as requiring improvement, although it was recognised that progress has been made since the last inspection. The College already has plans in place to continue this improving trend.

The report also reflected the work that Preston’s College has undertaken to align its technical curriculum to meet local and regional skills gaps by working alongside the county’s employers. Inspectors emphasised that the vast majority of learners now benefit from meaningful work experience, taking part in a wide range of enrichment and work-related activities that improve their personal and social skills and employability.

For both adult and 16-18 study, achievement is particularly high in construction, information and communication technology (ICT), retail and commercial, leisure, travel and tourism, and arts and media.

Dr Lis Smith, Principal & Chief Executive at Preston’s College, said: “Our new ‘Good’ grade is a fantastic testament to the excellent work we see from staff and learners on a day-to-day basis.

“Preston’s College is extremely proud that Ofsted has recognised the improvements made by the College over the last two years, particularly the quality of our teaching, learning and assessment.

“Preston’s College works hard to ensure curriculum is aligned to the needs of our local economy, ensuring programmes meet the needs of both our learners and local businesses.

“We now look forward to continuing with the College’s success in what promises to be a positive and bright future.”

Commenting on his own experience of Preston’s College, gifted and talented Aeronautical Engineering scholar, Max Copeland, added: “I am delighted that my College has received a ‘Good’ grade!

“I have been at Preston’s College since September and have found staff to be supportive and friendly, really helping my transition from high school.

“My lessons are engaging and the facilities in the iSTEM Centre are superb, allowing me to work on a real aircraft instead of just learning in the classroom.

“I would definitely recommend Preston’s College to any young person considering their College options.”

The full Ofsted report for Preston’s College is now available here.

For more information on Preston’s College, please visit www.preston.ac.uk. The College’s next school leaver open events will take place from 4pm – 7.30pm on Wednesday 6th February and Thursday 2nd May 2019 at their Fulwood Campus.