SIR John Deane's College is one of the best colleges in England - and that's official!
Staff at Sir John Deane's College are jubilant after it recorded one of the best ever Ofsted reports.
The Northwich college has been deemed 'outstanding' - the highest possible grade - in five of the six curriculum areas inspected. The remaining area was awarded the next-highest grade of 'good' - while support for students was also judged 'outstanding'.
Although Ofsted said Sir John Deane's wasn't the best ever, a spokesman said it wasn't far off. Ofsted stated only a handful of colleges has done better, and college principal Andrew Jones said it confirmed the Northwich college as one of the top sixth-form institutions in England.
Mr Jones said: 'I am delighted with the results of our Ofsted inspection. The report is full of praise for the achievements of students and the dedication of teachers, support staff and governors.
'This is an exceptional report, explicitly confirming our place among the best sixth-form colleges in the country. The word 'outstanding' appears in the inspector's comments 50 times!'
Inspectors visited the college in April and unveiled their findings on Friday.
It highlighted the college's key strengths as excellent teaching and learning, very high pass rates, outstanding support for students, a very good enrichment programme, outstanding leadership and management and very good teamwork throughout the college. The report concentrated primarily on the college's work with full-time students aged 16-18, but also praised the adult education programme.
It said: 'Standards are outstanding for students aged 16 to 18. Overall pass and retention rates are consistently very high. In 2003, the advanced level pass rate was 8% above the national average for sixth form colleges. Pass rates of 100% were achieved in 25 A-level subjects. More than 40% of students entered for A-level examinations achieved grades A or B.
'Students' overall performance places the college among the top sixth-form colleges in the country. Data which compares students' results at A-level with their previous GCSE achievements show that, overall, students do much better than might be expected.
'Students extend their skills and knowledge through participation in a wide range of enrichment activities. Many students take part in competitive and recreational sports, music and drama productions, community service and work experience.'
The report adds: 'Leadership and management are outstanding. There is a clear strategic direction that puts students and their achievements first. The support that teachers give to their students is excellent. Staff at all levels are totally committed to the college's values and aims.'
An Ofsted spokeswoman explained that figures were not available that would show where Sir John Deane's College stands in a 'league table' of England's 450 colleges, of which 105 are sixth-form colleges.
She said: 'I can confirm that there have been two colleges that have got outstanding grades across the board, but it is hard to put this result into a grading. It is still a great achievement which shows Sir John Deane's is a very good college indeed.'
The report has been welcomed by the Cheshire & Warrington Learning and Skills Council. Area manager Geoff Wright said: 'I am delighted with the recognition given by the inspectors to the excellent quality and support offered to learners at Sir John Deane's. It is a magnificent achievement that reflects the enthusiasm, commitment and hard work of all the staff and governors.
'This is an excellent result and demonstrates how hard the college is working to help young people in the area progress to reach their potential.'
