THE standard of education at New College remains consistently good according to Ofsted.

A glowing report was published this week following an inspection by the education regulator last month.

In his letter, inspector Peter Green congratulated New College on effectively maintaining the breadth of its curriculum, enabling learners to take courses to help with progression onto further education, training or employment.

He also praised teachers on their ability to provide a good structure for learning and how students receive a good standard of teaching, learning and assessment.

Mr Green added: “The process introduced by leaders and managers of formally and regularly reviewing learners’ progress and achievement is having a positive impact on ensuring that learners continue to do well and improve their performance.

“Teachers and learners are benefitting from the effective professional development that teachers receive on topics such as mentoring, target-setting and questioning techniques in teaching. This contributes to learners and teachers engaging in productive and stimulating discussions in lessons and learners improving their speaking and listening skills.”

Ofsted recognised that the vast majority of learners progress onto higher-level courses within the college or to higher education or training and a high proportion of apprentices gain promotion.

Many students gain good skills for employment through the tutorial programme, Upskill, which has provided a new platform for them to develop the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century work-place. The numbers of learners undertaking work experience has increased greatly, with highly positive feedback showing its impact in helping to improve understanding of work and employment.

New College has sustained either a good or outstanding rating since 2000 and Ofsted say it is down the extensive range of and amenities such as the gym, performance and rehearsal spaces and information communication technology facilities that has enhanced learners’ skills.

However, in order to achieve an outstanding rating, New College must set higher targets for learners in order to challenge them to gain higher grades in exams.

New College Principal Graham Taylor said he was thrilled by the result.

“We are delighted that we have been graded good overall; to have maintained this standard for many years is a great achievement,” he added.

“To have been recognised for our efforts in improving and providing further work experience opportunities to learners though our Upskill tutorial programme is fantastic. Feedback amongst learners has been very positive, alongside our recent placing in the FE Week League Table, where we were placed joint first for 16-18 positive progression.”

Paul James, Director of Curriculum at the college added: “We are delighted that Ofsted have recognised the good work at New College and the areas that we have improved on since the last inspection. Staff are dedicated to improving the learning experience for our students, supporting our aims to provide a well-developed and high-quality curriculum.”