Ofsted joy for Robertsbridge College team

With inspection criteria becoming increasingly rigorous, and a perpetual drive from the Government for schools to reach ever higher standards, the achievements of students and staff have been recognised in the final report.

The two day inspection was carried out by a team of five inspectors, with a minimum of three being on site throughout. They visited lessons, tutor sessions, assembly, met with the student council and student groups from all years.

They also held a range of in-depth meetings with leaders at all levels in the college.

With staff at the college fully aware of the gravity of the inspection, the students took it completely in their stride, treating the inspectors with the same conviviality reserved for all visitors.

The college said it was ‘encouraged’ that the report highlighted accurate self-evaluation; also that where there are areas for development these have already been identified by the college and steps are being put in place to make a significant improvement.

The team at Robertsbridge Community College hopes the GCSE results this summer will fully endorse the aspirational improvement target being sought.

The report indicated the college has the capacity, with sustained effort by all involved, to reach the ultimate goal of ‘Outstanding’.

Headteacher Simon Potten congratulated his staff at a recent de-brief, saying: “We will set the bar high and ensure we jump over it!”

With the report coming so closely on the commencement of construction of a new Community Sports Hall, there is a sense of buoyancy at the college, which Mr Potten says “is going from strength to strength”.

Mr Potten said: “I am delighted by this ‘good’ judgement following our recent inspection. It is a testament to the hard work of the whole college community and we are now ideally placed to ensure we provide outstanding teaching and progress for our students in the future.”

Sue Fitzgerald, chair of governors at Robertsbridge Community College, said: “I am delighted at the outcome, having witnessed first hand the dedication and relentless hard work of the headteacher, the senior leadership team and all the staff over the last few years.

“It is a well deserved judgement. It is a privilege to be the chair of governors and work with such a conscientious team who are indeed working towards ensuring the college becomes outstanding in the future.”

As recognised in the report, the governing body has recently undergone a re-constitution and currently has vacancies for interested parties.

In particular they are seeking members with experience in: HR, finance and post-16 education.

However, anyone with a real passion for the education of young people in the community would be welcome to apply.

Anyone wishing to be a part of the exciting development of this college is asked to contact the chair of governors, Sue Fitzgerald, at [email protected]

A full version of the Ofsted report can be accessed on the college website at www.robertsbridge.org.uk