STUDENTS, apprentices and staff are celebrating a new result by education watchdog Ofsted.

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College was recently rated as good following a four-day inspection carried out by 15 inspectors between January 30 to February 2.

The college was graded good in six out of eight areas - with outstanding judgements for personal development and adult provision.

The college has six main campuses - including in Stroud, Berkeley Green, Filton and Bristol, - and with its staff teaching 15,500 students of all ages every year. 

Inspectors praised the college for creating curriculums that have been “thoughtfully designed” where students and apprentices are “prepared very well for their next steps”. 

The education setting was also described as a “highly inclusive environment” where teachers make “appropriate adjustments” to support the needs of learners with SEND.

Inspectors say students “enjoy their learning” and that teachers have “expert knowledge” of
the subjects they teach. 

Sara-Jane Watkins principal of SGS College said: ‘We are really proud of the judgements that Ofsted have made of SGS.  

“They recognise the excellent work that staff across the college have made in their commitment and enthusiasm in delivering great education and learning for all of our learners.  

“We are especially proud of the recognition that Ofsted has made of our many initiatives that we have developed in order to help so many of those disadvantaged in society.  

“We want to make a positive difference to the lives of all of those we support.  

“Having the great work we do with employers recognised is also pleasing as we have put so much energy into ensuring that our curriculum offers local needs and that we are seen as one of the main providers of local talent and are really supporting the region with their workforce for the future.” 

Matt Atkinson chair of governors at SGS College said: “The board of governors are absolutely delighted with our recent inspection outcome. 

“This is a real testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff and fantastic students. 

“The inspectorate highlighted our many strengths and we now have a clear roadmap to become absolutely fantastic in everything we do. 

“Colleges are at the heart of the UK’s economy and I am delighted that the strong contribution we make to driving skills has been recognised in this report.”

To improve the school was told to improve its retention of learners aged 16 to 18 studying at A level and at levels 1 and 2 as well as apprentices studying at levels 4 to 6.

The report also states too few young learners studying GCSE mathematics attend their lessons.

Inspectors also said to improve the curriculum for learners with high needs such as challenging English and mathematics content and meaningful learning activities.

You can read the full report here - tinyurl.com/5dth3apy