The inspectors conducted a full inspection of both sites to assess the standards of teaching and learning, facilities and student support, as well as scrutinising results, policies and procedures. The inspection involved interviewing students and staff, holding in-depth discussions with the College Management team and observing classroom and workshop lessons, over the course of four intense days.
It is extremely positive, reporting amongst many other findings, that learners and apprentices benefit from a very caring and highly inclusive learning environment, and that ‘relationships between learners and apprentices and their teachers and assessors are excellent’. It has been recognised that ‘learners participate in a range of activities linked to ambitious career goals’ with teachers and trainers ‘effectively supporting learners to progress to further study or employment’.
In addition, it was pleasing to see that inspectors identified that ‘A-level learners develop the independent thinking and problem-solving skills they will need in higher education’, teachers ‘encourage learners to develop their understanding through skilful questioning and by checking understanding of key concepts’ and that learners with high needs and / or additional needs and / or disabilities ‘receive early help and individual support’ which ‘helps them to develop their confidence and self-esteem’.
The report states that ‘The senior leadership of the college is very effective’ and with a focus on staff wellbeing, the inspectors found that ‘staff morale is high’.
The new principal, Michelle Brabner commented, ‘I am thrilled to be working with such exceptional staff and we are looking forward to welcoming our new students in the Autumn. This report shows that they can be very confident that they will have a fantastic experience of learning and support at Southport College and KGV. This outcome is a testament to the hard work of students, apprentices and staff. We are fully committed to providing excellence in educational standards, coupled with fantastic student support and industry standard facilities for all our students and apprentices, and the report clearly demonstrates how effectively we are realising those commitments for our community’.
Ronnie Fell, Chair of the Governing Body said ‘The Governors and I are delighted with this report from Ofsted. It is an affirmation of the ‘merger’ and a testimony to the strong leadership, high quality of teaching and commitment shown by our students to their studies. It is wonderful to now have our new Principal Michelle Brabner on board, as we move forward to be an outstanding college where students achieve their dreams and ambitions’.
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