Hull College rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features by Ofsted
ON THE RISE: Hull College has been rated ‘Good’ overall by Ofsted
By Rick Lyon
Hull College has been awarded an overall rating of ‘Good’ by Ofsted following its most recent inspection.
A team of eleven inspectors carried out a rigorous four-day full enhanced skills assessment of all areas of the college, recognising its contribution to meeting skills needs with the highest accolade of ‘Strong’.
In the report, inspectors rated a range of provision types, with personal development and adult learning programmes judged to be ‘Outstanding’, and education programmes for young people, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, provision for learners with high needs, apprenticeships, and leadership and management all rated ‘Good.’
The inspection team praised the quality of teaching at the college, finding that “learners and apprentices benefit from high-quality teaching and training” and that “staff have created a highly inclusive environment in which a diverse group of learners and apprentices learn well together”.
The report states: “They promote a culture that proudly celebrates the diversity of the college community. Learners and apprentices take pride in their contribution to the fabric of the college, and wider society. They work well together and learn from each other, in readiness for the realities of future life and work.”
LEARNING: Students at Hull College are provided with an extensive range of opportunities, Ofsted has said
During the visit, inspectors met with governors, college leaders, staff, students and employers and judged personal development - the way the college’s curriculum supports students to develop their knowledge and skills beyond the purely academic, technical or vocational - as ‘Outstanding’.
The report states: “Staff provide learners with an extensive range of opportunities to explore new interests and talents, and to develop their confidence. They pay particular attention to supporting the most disadvantaged learners. They plan opportunities to broaden the experience of learners and apprentices beyond their immediate communities through a range of trips and visits”.
The other area to receive an ‘Outstanding’ grading was the college’s adult learning programmes, with inspectors finding that “teachers plan and teach highly effective lessons, using activities that motivate and inspire learners. Adult learners quickly develop confidence and skills in their vocational subjects and in English and mathematics.”
An enhanced inspection judges the college’s relationship with employers, as well as teaching and learning.
The college received significant praise for its work to meet skills needs across Hull and the East Riding, with the inspection team stating: “Leaders and managers have developed highly positive relationships with an extensive range of stakeholders. They are involved in a wide range of groups, some of which they have established themselves, that give them insights into the skills needs of stakeholders, including employers, in the region. These employer engagement groups focus on the future skills needs”.
PROUD: Hull College Principal and CEO Debra Gray
The college has embarked on a significant journey of improvement and development under a “strong leadership team” that has “focused on changing the culture in the college to one in which staff operate with support and accountability” and “have made rapid improvements to the experience of learners and apprentices at the college”.
Debra Gray MBE, principal and CEO of Hull College, said: “I’m delighted that Hull College has been recognised as a ‘Good’ provider following our recent Ofsted inspection.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire ‘Hullraiser’ community at the college.”
To read the full report, click here.