Nescot rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2016

Ofsted (2016)

Nescot has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, in the first inspection since 2010.

A team of five inspectors visited the college on January 13 for a two-day inspection under the organisation’s new framework. They met senior staff and managers, toured the college, observed teaching, learning and assessments, spoke to students and the chair of the governing body, and reviewed college policies.

“We’re delighted to be formally judged a good college again,” said Cliff Hall, Nescot’s Head of College. “It’s a testament to how hard our teaching and support staff work to make sure our students are kept safe, learn and achieve as much as they can and leave Nescot ready for their career.”

The inspectors, led by Alan Hinchliffe, said teaching was ‘consistently good’, that students ‘enjoy being at the college’ and praised the progress made at the college since the last inspection in October 2010.

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"Teaching is consistently good... students enjoy being at college." Ofsted (2016)

Their report, which you can read online here, described Nescot’s financial position as ‘impressive’, and said the college is responsive to external changes and has a ‘strong capacity to improve’.

“Since the previous inspection, governors and senior leaders have ensured that Nescot continues to provide education and training of a consistently high quality,” the report states.

“You have sustained, and built upon, an ambitious culture in which both staff and learners are expected to do their best.”

Other key findings from the report include:

Inspectors said high standards are evident in most aspects of teachers’ and the college’s work;
Teaching was described as ‘solidly good’, with ‘accurate and frequent’ monitoring of progress;
Lessons in Animal Studies, Visual and Performing Arts and Uniformed Public Services were singled out for particular praise;
The proportion of students achieving high grades at Level 3 was described as a strength;
The quality of apprenticeship provision was praised, as well as the range of courses on offer;
Work to improve results in English and maths GCSEs was said to be having a ‘positive impact’;
Safeguarding was judged to be effective;
The 2015-2020 strategic plan was described as ‘coherent and ambitious’, setting out a ‘clear plan’ to improve the college and ensuring sustained financial stability;
Inspectors said that leaders are developing the curriculum well; and
The report highlighted the progress made with work experience, stating that students ‘often adapt or expand their ambitions’ following a placement.

The report also highlighted four areas for the college to focus on, including increasing the proportion of students getting grade C (4) or above in GCSE English and Maths.