Best Ever Inspection for Warrington & Vale Royal College!

The four-day inspection marked a milestone for the college, with two areas - Behaviour and Attitudes, and Personal Development - earning ‘Outstanding’ grades. The college also attained the highest possible grade for its ‘strong’ response to skills. All other areas of the college’s provision maintained a solid ‘Good’ rating, reflecting the college’s hard work and commitment. This exceptional achievement highlights the dedication of the college’s staff and students, and is indicative of the college’s continued strength in technical excellence.

A team of eleven Ofsted Inspectors witnessed first-hand the college’s strengths, commenting that leaders “set a clear direction for ‘careers not courses’, and use this to shape their curriculum offer to meet the skills needs of employers and industry.” The report continues: “Teachers and Assessor Coaches are highly skilled professionals who continue to work in industry. They use their expertise successfully to teach students and apprentices relevant and current knowledge and skills.”

The report further praised the college’s commitment to career-readiness, stating: “Students benefit from an extensive range of enrichment opportunities linked to their curriculum, next steps and personal development. They routinely participate in very high-quality course-related enrichment activity, including workshops, competitions and visits.”

An overarching theme in the report is the strong relationships with employers that shapes the curriculum, and prepares students well for their careers in industry. Ofsted said: “Leaders and managers ensure that an extensive network of relevant stakeholders contribute very effectively to design and implement curriculums that prepare students and apprentices very well for future education, employment and work.” As a result, students and apprentices “know what they want to do next and what they need to do to get there.”

On the ‘outstanding’ behaviours and attitudes of students, the report says: “Students and apprentices have highly positive attitudes to their learning. They are well motivated and strive to do their best.” The report goes on to say: “They represent themselves, their college and their employers exceptionally well.” To summarise: “Students’ and apprentices’ behaviour is exemplary.”

Revelling in this wonderful achievement for the college, Principal & CEO Nichola Newton said: “Our recent Ofsted outcome is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our staff and students. It has been a great privilege and pleasure to lead this exceptional college since 2015, the college community and the culture we have so painstakingly curated really matters to us and I think that shone through in this inspection. Inspectors noted that the college is very clear on its purpose and aims, we really know who we are and what we are about, that is to say: to deliver excellence in technical education and skills training through an inclusive curriculum, taught well. Our strap line, ‘Careers not Courses’ and the transformative, life-changing power of the work we do means absolutely everything to us. I believe the team of Ofsted inspectors saw the college’s heart and its character and witnessed first-hand the high expectations and aspirations we have for our students and how well they are supported to fulfil their potential. I believe this college is very special indeed and, as one of our stakeholders said to inspectors, a pillar of the communities we serve.”

Joining in Nichola’s praise, Professor Steven Broomhead, recently appointed Chair of Governors, also commented: “What a proud moment for Warrington & Vale Royal College. It highlights the outstanding efforts of our staff, students and Governors and is reflective of the wonderful work taking place at the college each and every day. On behalf of the Board of Governors, I congratulate everyone involved in achieving this well-deserved recognition.”

Praise for the college continues: “Students and apprentices enjoy coming to the college. Staff have created a highly positive and respectful culture that permeates the college. Students and apprentices feel welcomed, well supported and cared for. They develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours that they need for their next steps in an exceptionally supportive and nurturing environment.”

On the recent campus investments totalling over £13million, the report says: “Leaders have invested in sector-specific academies with industry-standard resources to develop much-needed vocational skills.” In this environment, Ofsted noted how “students benefit from working on live client briefs and employer case studies to develop and apply their skills in realistic scenarios that benefit businesses.”