Member Article

Ofsted success is another great result for Stockton Riverside College

Stockton Riverside College is celebrating success after being given the Ofsted seal of approval. The college which incorporates SRC Bede Sixth Form, NETA Training and The Skills Academy has been graded ‘good’ for the second consecutive time, in a report published today. Praised for its vision to place the college at the centre of the local community, the report stated: “This focus has resulted in a culture of high expectations for learners and staff that is both challenging and supportive.” The college was also recognised for its work with employers and work experience opportunities provided for its students – ensuring that learners successfully develop the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. The report stated: “Most learners benefit from very well-planned, helpful and relevant work experience placements that support them to practise their subject specific skills. This helps them to make informed choices about their next steps.” It acknowledged that staff have developed “productive relationships” with employers in order to offer a flexible approach to learning depending on their needs. “Good-quality careers guidance” was also highlighted, resulting in learners and apprentices moving on to employment, further or higher education. Speaking of his pride in the accomplishments of the college, its governors, students and staff, Stockton Riverside College Principal Phil Cook said: “This is not about the achievement of any one person, it is about everybody and the dedication and hard work that every individual puts in.” He said: “Ofsted shines a spotlight on each and every one of us. To be consistently recognised as a ‘good’ college, we and the communities we serve should all feel extremely proud.” Mark White, Chair of the Stockton Riverside College Board of Governors, said: “Our governing body is made up of volunteers from all walks of life, many are very successful people in their own right, but all with huge levels of commitment to this college, to its students and its staff. “As a board of governors we feel so proud, proud to be part of this team and so very proud to be recognised as offering our communities such a high standard of education and training.”
The two-day Ofsted inspection took place in November and recognised strengths maintained and built upon since the college’s previous ‘good’ inspection in 2014. The report, addressed to Mr Cook, stated: “You and your leadership team maintained the strengths at the previous inspection and have been highly effective in ensuring that learners develop work-related skills and attitudes to a very high standard, with most learners completing work placements that support and enhance their understanding of employment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Marie Turbill .