College passes inspection with flying colours

Rochdale Sixth Form College

Rochdale Sixth Form College has come top of the class after being the first and only sixth form college in the North to be graded ‘outstanding’ across the board since the introduction of the new inspection regime that came into force from September 2012.

The college received the outstanding classification for its teaching, learning and assessment.

The Ofsted report commented that the college is outstanding in all three areas namely: outcomes for learners, quality of teaching, learning and assessment and effectiveness of leadership and management. To attain outstanding in all three areas is somewhat of a rarity.

The Ofsted report also said that the teaching is energetic and often inspirational and builds students’ confidence to achieve their potential. Students enjoy lessons and their attendance and punctuality are excellent.

It was also noted that the support for students was excellent with attention to developing students’ independent learning skills to prepare them for university.

The report builds on the success of the college’s A Level results in 2012, when 99% of students achieved a pass rate across 30 subjects. 80% of students also went on to University.

Julian Appleyard, Principal, comments: “To be classified outstanding across the board in our first Ofsted inspection is a fantastic achievement for the college. What is even more fantastic is that this is under the new inspection regime that came in to force from September 2012. To be recognised as one of the best sixth form colleges in the country is testament to the hard work of the staff, governors, students and parents.

“We won’t be resting on our laurels though and we’re determined to make sure we stay top of our class.”

James Kewin, Deputy Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges’ Association, comments: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the outstanding work of Rochdale Sixth Form College. As the most recent sixth form college to open its doors, it is a great advertisement for our sector and highlights the transformative effect that sixth form colleges can have on local communities.

“We believe that every young person should have the opportunity to study at a sixth form college, and Rochdale has shown that when the government invests in our sector it can result in swift and positive returns.”