City of Bristol College is ‘continuing to improve the quality of education’, is the headline message published in Ofsted’s December 2019 inspection report. It highlights the fact that despite an overall judgement of ‘Requires Improvement’, the college has achieved a rating of 4 ‘Good’ grades out of 8 grades in total, securing an additional two since 2017.
The college was judged “Good” in the areas of Student Behaviour and Attitudes, Students’ Personal Development, Adult Learning Programmes and Provision for Learners with High Needs.
The inspection team recognised the role the college plays locally and regionally: ‘Their approach is successful in fostering inclusion and providing Bristol residents with clear pathways to improved employment, greater independence or higher levels of education. They meet the needs of those who are most disadvantaged very well.’
The report draws attention to the positive experience of students at the college: ‘students feel the college is welcoming and inclusive. They say it is a place where people who have different beliefs, cultures and learning experiences can work together in a tolerant and respectful environment’.
Students and apprentices have praised the college for providing an environment where ‘they are ambitious and motivated to learn. They recognise how the skills and knowledge they are gaining will help them in the future. Apprentices and young people develop positive attitudes to work and learning.’
In addition, ‘the great majority of adult students learn new knowledge and skills that are valuable in their everyday lives and which further their career ambitions’, and ‘students with high needs on specialist programmes develop useful independent living and work skills’.
Andy Forbes, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Bristol College, commented: “Having just taken up my post at City of Bristol College, I am really pleased that despite the overall judgement of ‘Requires Improvement’ Ofsted inspectors have recognised how much better we are getting in so many areas. We know the pace of improvement across the college has been uneven, and we know we have more to do to ensure really good results for all the many students who study with us. But this report provides us with the reassurance that the improvements we have made since 2017 are having a really positive impact on the Bristol community. City of Bristol College is getting better all the time.
“We are Bristol’s Further Education College, and we are determined to deliver the best in training and skills for all our students and apprentices.” concluded Mr Forbes.
