Triple triumph in college inspection (From Stroud News and Journal)

Triple triumph in college inspection

STROUD College was celebrating this week after an Ofsted inspection awarded it a grade 1 for outstanding provision in art, design and media for the third time in succession.

"The staff and students have worked very hard to put us in the position of being amongst a small handful of colleges that have achieved an 'outstanding' grade in three successive inspections," said Ray Walker, head of art, design, media and performing arts.

"I am very proud of the contribution made by our staff and of the quality of work produced by our students".

Other highlights in the teaching areas were grade 2, 'good provision' for ICT, construction, English and modern foreign languages, and foundation studies, with at least satisfactory provision in all others.

In its overall judgement of the effectiveness of provision the report said: 'This is a good college. Overall success rates (for learners) are good and improving. They are above national averages for all levels and ages.' Leadership and management were also identified as being strong features of the college.

Some of the key strengths identified in the inspection were:

* Highly effective leadership, management and governance * Good and improving success rates * Good strategic planning * Good support for students * Very good partnership and strong links in the local community * Outstanding provision in Arts and Media * Good provision in construction, ICT, English and modern foreign languages, and foundation programmes.

College principal, Di Dale who took over after the controversial resignation of the former principal when the college was in the doldrums said: "This positive inspection result, combined with the new college building, due to open in spring 2007, gives the Stroud community the high quality college it deserves."

"A full inspection is a thorough, rigorous and comprehensive review of the effectiveness of a school or college and it is therefore all the more pleasing to receive such a positive report."

Chair of governors, Martin Jones, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the results of this inspection. The management and staff have worked tremendously hard over the last few years to put us into the position of being one of the fastest improving colleges in the country. Student numbers are increasing and we have a new building opening in 2007, so this report rounds off a very good year for Stroud College."