Leicester College has been given a “good” Ofsted rating after an inspection in December 2017.

After being told previously that the College “requires improvement” in a number of areas, the College has been able to improve in absolutely every area with a “good” rating.

Ofsted inspectors said that leaders at Leicester College “have effectively tackled the most significant areas for improvement.”

They said “students and apprentices learn well, gain good independent thinking and learning skills.”

In addition, inspectors said that “governors, senior leaders and managers have forged very strong partnerships with a range of key stakeholders across the city; they skilfully use these links to ensure that the curriculum meets local economic priorities.”

The report highlights that “large majority of students make good progress because their teachers plan challenging and stimulating learning that enables them to acquire a good level of subject knowledge”, it also highlighted that “student and apprentices receive good impartial careers advice and guidance.”

The inspectors felt that the “students confidently use an extensive range of specialist industry-standard resources that enable them to acquire good technical skills and produce work to exacting standards.”

Principal Verity Hancock

Principal Verity Hancock said:

“This is an excellent report, which reflects the high standards of teaching, learning, support and facilities available to all our students and apprentices. I am extremely proud of the College and of all the staff who work so hard every day to ensure the success of all our students and shown a commitment to help raise the standards. Last summer we were awarded GOLD for our Higher Education teaching under the new Teaching Excellence Framework, so it is great for our core FE work to be recognised too.

“The report recognises the crucial links we have developed with stakeholders including Sir Peter Soulsby as elected Mayor and with the LLEP (Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership) and its members, who have enabled us to invest in new industry-standard facilities. As the majority of our students have chosen to pursue a technical and vocational route through education with us, it is vital that we continue to prepare them for careers and jobs in the region and beyond by ensuring that our curriculum meets economic needs and skills gaps. We intend to go from strength to strength.”