‘Good’ news for The Manchester College
The Manchester College has received a ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted, the government’s inspection body for colleges and schools.
At the end of a week-long inspection in January, the College, which is the largest Further Education (FE) institution in the country, was deemed 'Good' across all of Ofsted’s seven key themes from teaching, leadership and study programmes, to provision for students with high needs, in its report which has now been published.
Principal Lisa O’Loughlin said: “We are delighted to officially report our ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. This achievement positions The Manchester College as a top choice for students seeking a supportive environment, where they can study a vocational course that offers both work-related learning and high-quality work experience.
“Plans are now in place to further improve this outcome, taking on board the comments where we can still improve and, ultimately, work to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating in the future.”
Inspectors visited all campuses throughout the week-long inspection and observed lesson delivery, while speaking to tutors and students to find out their experiences, views and opinions of the College.
Lisa added: “One of the things that makes me most proud is the student feedback inspectors received, including: ‘This is more than a college, it’s my community’ and: ‘they leave nobody behind here’. It really is fantastic to know that our students feel supported and comfortable with us.”
Inspectors found that:
- Teachers support students very effectively. As a result, many of those who have struggled previously in education achieve well
- Almost all students, including a high proportion of those who have high needs, benefit from effective work-related learning and high-quality work experience activities
- A high proportion of students achieve their vocational qualifications. A high proportion of students on study programmes and a very high proportion of adult students achieve their functional skills qualifications
- A large majority of students demonstrate good behaviour and develop good social, personal and employability skills
- Leaders have an ambitious strategy for the College that they align carefully to the needs of the Manchester city region. They plan a highly effective curriculum offer
- Since the previous inspection, leaders and managers have overseen improvements in the quality of education they provide.
The report also highlights high achievement rates and good student progress from their starting points, with senior leaders recognised for creating a culture of aspiration, support and challenge for students and staff, and a clear and ambitious strategy for the college.
Student Venus Ubah, said: “The Manchester College promotes diversity, acceptance of people from all walks of life and they provide education that is suitable for everyone.
I have been a student for four years and have been through a lot inside and outside of College. With the support of my mentors and tutors, I have gained a lot of confidence and have been able to bring myself outside my comfort zone.
The ‘Good’ rating comes as the College prepares to implement its ambitious Estates Strategy, which includes building a brand new ‘centre of excellence’ in central Manchester, with a strong focus on the skills required by the region’s growth sectors; including creative and digital, as well as business, financial and professional services.
A full copy of the inspection report is available on our Ofsted Report page.