Wiltshire College & University Centre is celebrating a successful Ofsted grading after retaining a ‘Good’ rating following a recent inspection.
The college welcomed a 14-strong inspection team for a four-day visit between 22-25 November 2022 for its first full inspection since 2015. The visit covered all four main campuses at Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge, and programmes for young people, adult learners and apprentices were all inspected.
In its report, Ofsted highlighted the college’s industry-focussed curriculum plans that prepare learners to enter the workplace. It stated, ‘Leaders and managers have created purposeful vocational curriculums with well-considered progression routes. As a result, most learners and apprentices develop the vocational skills they need to move on to their career goals.’
The report also praised the positive learning environment across the College. It stated, ‘Learners and apprentices are motivated to do well and achieve their goals.’ The report added, ‘Learners and apprentices study in a caring and nurturing environment. Teachers and trainers skilfully create a calm and inclusive atmosphere in classrooms and workshops.’
The college’s previous full inspection in 2015 and a short inspection in 2018 also rated the College as ‘Good’.
Iain Hatt, Principal & CEO at Wiltshire College & University Centre, said, “Everybody at the college is delighted with the result. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of all learners and staff across all of our courses and campuses and the manner in which they have overcome the challenges of returning to normality since the pandemic.
“I am particularly pleased with the recognition for the college’s industry-aligned curriculum plans and our commitment to developing learners who possess the skills that match the workplace needs of the local area.
“As a college, we continue to make encouraging progress in line with our new five-year strategic plan and we are already working to improve further to enhance the education experience for all of our learners.”
Martin Clark, Chair of the Governing Body, added, “The Board of Governors thank all the hardworking staff at the college for our second successive ‘Good’ Ofsted inspection and recognises all their good work with our learners to develop their skills and bring them success. In addition, we couldn’t have achieved this result without the many community partners and employers who support the college in delivering across all our provision”
The college is continuing to invest in all its campuses to improve the student experience. After T level refurbishment projects at Salisbury, Lackham and Trowbridge during 2022, a £7.4m project is planned at Salisbury over 2023 and 2024 to complete the modernisation of our Southampton Road Campus. The college has a series of further open days this month and again in May where our exciting plans will be set out.