College ‘proud’ to get good marks
HOPWOOD Hall College has been rated ‘good’ by education watchdog Ofsted.
Inspectors spent two days at the college, which mainly offers vocational courses, in November and in a report said it had maintained the standard reached at the previous inspection in 2011.
The findings, published last week, praise the college’s leadership team, education quality, teaching and safeguarding.
Ofsted highlighted an investment in equipment which means students learn in ‘industry-standard facilities’.
Staff were also praised for establishing good links with community groups to ‘engage with learners who have not participated in education and training for some time’ and for working with schools to encourage children to take part in further education and training.
The report states: “Since the previous inspection, you have invested in improving resources to create a better learning environment.
“Your staff share your ambitious strategy to provide the highest-quality vocational provision which meets local needs and is responsive to national priorities.”
To get better Ofsted recommends the college focuses on improvements in areas including students’ progress and attendance in English and maths.
College principal Derek O’Toole said: “I believe the result of Ofsted’s inspection is demonstrative of the consistency with which the college has progressed in recent years.
“We are incredibly proud of the findings, which is a tribute to the ongoing hard work and dedication of all the staff at the college to provide our learners with the highest quality teaching, learning and assessment.
“I’m also pleased the report recognised the positive attitudes and efforts of our learners.
That they played a big part in the inspector’s positive impression of this college is reflective of how they carry themselves on a daily basis.”