OFSTED inspectors have visited New College for the first time since the higher education complex merged with Swindon College and opened its new £21m Institute of Technology.

The Queens Drive and North Star campuses combined in October 2020 and the state-of-the-art institute started delivering T-Level courses in 2021.

Staff and students have since impressed authority experts who had a look around both sites as part of a monitoring visit.

New College has retained its Good rating as the inspectors were satisfied with the answers they found to three main questions.

They hoped to find out what sort of plans were in place for the future of the facility now that the former competitors are working together, how this has affected the curriculum and employment opportunities for students, and how lessons for Swindon College students have improved.

The report said: “Governors and senior leaders have developed a well-considered strategy for the college that they have communicated clearly to staff, employers and stakeholders.

“Senior leaders have taken a sensibly measured approach to achieving their vision of all staff and learners feeling part of one college and leaders have focused successfully on aligning systems and processes.

“By working more closely with employers, staff have increased the range of opportunities learners have for work placements. The new Institute of Technology at the North Star campus has enabled teachers to raise learners’ aspirations by increasing the range of higher education courses in Swindon.”

The report noted that teachers are enthusiastic about how they share resources and the curriculum has been enriched across both campuses, with stronger pastoral and individual support as well as improvements to English and Maths at what used to be Swindon College.

The report highlights the progression opportunities available at the college across a wide range of vocational sectors, along with strong business links in technology, cyber security and manufacturing engineering.

New College principal and CEO Carole Kitching said: “It’s a complete team effort. From the governors and senior leadership team who have set out the vision and strategy for our newly merged college, to the teaching and support staff who have remained committed to delivering an outstanding experience over the past two years.

“Of course, there have been many challenges to overcome, not least trying to integrate two sets of staff and provide opportunities for collaboration, while going through the pandemic. I am very proud of and grateful for all the hard work everyone has put in, through what has been a testing time for all.

“This Ofsted report validates our efforts as we continue to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities, to better their lives through learning.

“The results of this monitoring visit are really encouraging and demonstrate that we are in a strong position to retain a ‘Good’ grade and strive for that ‘Outstanding’ status I know we are capable of.”

The full report can be accessed via the Ofsted website at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/31/130851