Bishop Burton College celebrates Ofsted success

‘POSITIVE OUTCOME’: Students and staff celebrating Bishop Burton College’s ‘Good’ Ofsted rating

By Rick Lyon

Bishop Burton College is celebrating successfully retaining a rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted following a four-day ‘enhanced’ inspection.

The college has again been rated ‘Good’ overall with two ‘Outstanding’ judgements – for Personal Development and Adult Learning Programmes.

The college also gained the highest possible rating of ‘Strong’ for its contribution to meeting skills needs, with inspectors stating: “Leaders and managers work very effectively with other colleges, employers and agencies to design the curriculum based on current and future skills needs and industry standards.” 

The college, based near Beverley, which also has two other campuses at Riseholme, Lincolnshire, was previously graded ‘Good’ in 2017.

An ‘enhanced’ inspection judges the college’s relationship with employers, as well as teaching and learning.  

Bill Meredith, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Bishop Burton College, said: “This is such a positive outcome for our whole college community. I am so proud of the fantastic achievement of our young people, our staff team and our wider stakeholders - especially our employer supporters. 

“I am hugely grateful for all the hard work the college team puts in to support our students to become the best they can be. This achievement is a true reflection of our college value of striving for excellence, which underpins all that we do.

“The Ofsted judgement will support our aim to grow the college further, to continue to benefit even more students from our regions and beyond in the future.” 

SUPPORT: Students at Bishop Burton College achieve their goals and aspirations

The inspection report states: “All curriculum areas set high expectations for behaviour and conduct for students and apprentices. There is a clear focus on developing a positive learning culture, which raises students’ aspirations and prepares them well for their next steps.

“Students and apprentices understand the importance of these expectations, and this is reflected in their positive behaviour and attitudes to learning. 

“Teaching and support staff develop students’ and apprentices’ confidence well and strengthen their resilience. 

“They support students and apprentices to overcome personal barriers and achieve their goals and aspirations.

“Students and apprentices become responsible and respectful citizens with the skills they need to succeed in life after college.” 

Chair of Governors Alan Menzies, speaking to staff and students at a celebration event, said: “I am so pleased to join you to celebrate your hard-earned success this year – and it has been hard earned.

“The college is very proud of our students’ successes and recognises the efforts the staff team make to help students fulfil their ambitions. So, I am delighted with the news that the college has been rated ‘Good’ overall by Ofsted, with two ‘Outstanding’ judgments.” 

Read the full Ofsted report here.