College receives glowing report

Oldham Sixth Form College exterior.

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OLDHAM Sixth Form College has retained its good rating after a two-day inspection by Ofsted.

And the education watchdog - which visited at the end of September - says the college has maintained its "consistently high standard of education" and has a "relentless drive" to achieve the top grade of outstanding.

The Union Street West college ­- which has 2,186 students ­- received a short visit, reserved for those judged to be good (grade two) at their previous inspection.

Ofsted says that students make good and often better progress from their starting points and most meet or exceed their target grades, with a range of effective strategies to support those who are falling behind.

The majority go on to university, with a quarter getting into prestigious universities.

"The high aspirations of all staff, combined with the culture and ethos of the college, mean that students are inspired and motivated to do their best," says the Ofsted report which was published yesterday.

"Students receive beneficial advice and guidance that ensure personalised learning programmes meet their skills and aspirations well. Students who join the college and have yet to achieve A* to C in GCSE English and maths are placed on appropriate courses."

Ofsted also praises the college's "systematic approach" to improving teaching and learning.

Other areas highlighted include the college's work to ensure the safety of students and staff and the college's knowledgeable and ambitious governors.

Effective

The inspectors say that effective action has been taken to successfully address the areas highlighted for improvement at the college's last inspection in February 2013.

They add: "Leaders, manager and governors are committed to the continuous improvement of the quality of provision across all areas of the college in the relentless drive to become outstanding.

"Leaders and managers swiftly and accurately identify underperformance."

The college was told to ensure that its new system to monitor students' progress is fully implemented; underperforming courses continue to be swiftly identified and monitored to improve the quality of provision even more; and make sure action plans for teachers who need to improve sharply focus on specific actions for improvement.

Oldham Sixth Form College principal Jayne Clarke said: "This is a very strong report, reflecting the high standards and excellent work of staff, governors and students at the college. I am pleased that the inspection team has recognised our many strengths and our continuing drive to do the very best for all of our students, in terms of both support and outcomes.'

Chairman of governors Andrew Kilburn added: "This report reflects the impressive and sustained progress made by the college since our last inspection three years ago.

"Ofsted has recognised the quality of teaching and learning, the support students receive in achieving their goals and the results which are delivered year on year.

"We now continue our push to the next level and we do so from a position of considerable strength.

"All staff at the college can be proud of their contribution to the extremely positive conclusions in this report."