The College received a full inspection in September 2018 by Ofsted Inspectors who said “The College ethos is one of raising aspirations successfully in a caring, supportive and challenging environment”.
The Ofsted report highlighted the following key strengths:
- Leaders and managers have created a culture of respect and tolerance in which they successfully raise learners’ aspirations in a supportive and challenging environment
- Learners and apprentices demonstrate good behaviour, they are highly motivated and have positive attitudes to their learning
- Strong partnerships with employers and key stakeholders lead to an effective curriculum that meets the specific needs of the region
- Learners and apprentices demonstrate good behaviour; they are highly motivated and have positive attitudes to their learning
- A high proportion of learners on level 3 vocational study programmes achieve their qualifications with high grades
Further key highlights from the report include:
- Leaders and managers have created a welcoming and harmonious college environment in which learners from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds work together effectively
- Teachers use their skills and expertise confidently. They challenge learners in vocational subjects to develop industry-standard skills quickly
- The courses at the college align closely to the future opportunities available to learners and apprentices
- Careers education, advice and guidance for learners on study programmes are good. Specialist and well-qualified staff give expert advice that opens doors to employment and further study for learners
- Learners benefit from a wide range of stimulating resources and from well-equipped learning environments
- Learners value the support they receive in college
- Work experience and work-related learning align carefully with learners’ study and ambitions
- Learners benefit from a wide range of enrichment activities in the college. These include sports, well-being activities, debates and volunteering
- Learners compete successfully in regional and national skills competitions
- Many learners are well represented by their dynamic students’ union
- Most learners and apprentices develop skills and knowledge that support them in their education, career and life goals. They link the work that they complete on their course to their career plans diligently
Middlesbrough College has a clear and unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest of student outcomes. Further information on our high outcomes for learners can be accessed via the Department for Education website.