Fareham College is delighted to announce it has been awarded ‘Outstanding’ in its latest Ofsted inspection, making it one of only three colleges in the country to have converted to the highest grade in more than two years.
The report was full of glowing endorsements, with the college receiving the highest possible accolade in six headline fields, including outstanding ratings for its quality of teaching, learning and assessment; effectiveness of leadership and management; personal development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for learners; Apprenticeships; and 16-19 study programmes.
Staff and students celebrated being awarded the highest possible educational standard after they were set a creative task about what outstanding means to them, resulting in a giant art installation that is to be displayed in the college.
Fareham College Principal, Nigel Duncan, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled with the outstanding Ofsted result. Our dedicated team of academic and support staff have worked incredibly hard to ensure we are driving the best technical and professional education in the South. Every member of staff, no matter what role they play in the organisation, and all of our students, gave their all during the inspection. Staff performance is consistently outstanding and student behaviour exemplary – what more could a Principal ask for?”
This exciting announcement comes as data from Ofsted shows show that the number of colleges with top marks has fallen this year to its lowest ever level, with only two other colleges nationwide achieving an ‘outstanding’ grade since the latest inspection framework was introduced in September 2015. The increased difficulty to obtain the top marks makes Fareham College’s achievement even more noteworthy.
Fareham College Deputy Principal, Andrew Kaye, comments:
“It’s been a long road to the top, but, with extremely hard work from everyone in the organisation, we’re proud to say we’ve made it! It’s onwards and upwards from here to maintain our success and ensure we continue to provide the excellent training and education to the Fareham community that we have become known for.”
Ofsted’s summary of key findings particularly highlighted the College’s outstanding ability to prepare students and apprentices for the next steps in their careers, with almost all students (98%) progressing into further or higher education, employment or an apprenticeship.
Special mentions from Ofsted were additionally made to the College’s excellent and well-established partnerships with employers, such as BAE Systems, as well as the effective preparation and training for students who wish to continue their education at university.
The college’s manufacturing and engineering campus in Lee on the Solent, CEMAST, received particular praise. The report highlighted that “the College’s modern and well-equipped centre of excellence in engineering, manufacturing and advanced skills training provides an excellent training environment that reflects the highest commercial standards.” Its recent Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC), built in response to employer demand and opened in August 2017, received equally glowing praise from inspectors, who assessed the college between the 3rd-4th October.
The college’s last inspection took place in 2013, where it previously received a classification of “good with outstanding features”.
