‘Troubled’ sixth form rated good by Ofsted
A SIXTH form college troubled by financial difficulties has been praised by Ofsted for improving teaching standards.
The future of Connell Sixth Form College in Beswick has been uncertain since announcing plans to split from Bright Futures Educational Trust (BFET) last autumn.
College bosses have now confirmed they are in talks with the The Laurus Trust – a multi-academy chain founded at Cheadle Hulme High School in Stockport – as ‘a potential new sponsor for Connell.’ And despite financial setbacks, the college has been rated as ‘good’ in all areas by Ofsted inspectors.
The education watchdog praised teachers for planning lessons ‘meticulously,’ ensuring their students make good progress.
Leaders and managers at the college were rated as ‘good’ for successfully setting high expectations for teachers and staff, resulting in pupils making good progress.
The report, published following an inspection in January, said: “Leaders and managers have implemented a strong and inclusive culture of learning in which students from diverse backgrounds work successfully with each other to embody the college values of hard work, integrity and passion, trust and respect.”
But Connell is not out of the woods when it comes to its finances and position as an academy, the report reveals.
Ofsted note that while the college principal and staff have worked ‘tirelessly’ to increase student numbers, the future sustainability of the college depends on transferring it to another multiacademy trust.
In a list of points for improvement, inspectors said: “Leaders and managers should improve the financial stability of the college.”
The M.E.N. has previously reported on the effect of Bright Futures’ financial troubles on Connell Sixth Form.
Bright Futures has faced uncertainties due to cash shortfalls and low standards at several of its schools in Manchester, Wigan and Blackpool.
In March 2016, Bright Futures was served a financial notice by the Department for Education amid concerns over its financial position and the way it was being run.
Leaders at the college have welcomed positive feedback from Ofsted. Principal Jane Hopcroft said: “I feel incredibly privileged and proud to be the principal of Connell Sixth Form College.
“We are delighted with the outcome of its Ofsted inspection, which confirms the quality of provision available at Connell.
“The report is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of staff and students. We are thrilled our students are making tremendous progress.
“Our students, from across Manchester and from a wide range of backgrounds and schools, have worked hard and achieved more than they would anywhere else.”
A spokesman for Bright Futures added: “We can confirm that following a meeting of the regional schools commissioners’ headteacher board, Bright Futures Educational Trust are in discussions with The Laurus Trust as a potential new sponsor for Connell Sixth Form College.
“We will be able to comment further once those discussions have been formally progressed.” such