Pulborough students celebrate ‘outstanding’ report

Chichester College’s Brinsbury campus in Pulborough was inspected by Ofsted on March 3 to 7 and the report concluded that ‘the success rates are outstanding’ and staff have ‘unrelenting determination’.

The ‘Outstanding’ rating is held by only six other further education institutions in the country, placing the college in the UK’s top seven.

Chichester College Principal Shelagh Legrave said: “I am so proud as Principal of Chichester College to have received such a truly outstanding Ofsted report.

“In 2014, thirteen Ofsted Inspectors rated the College as Outstanding in all four key grades.

“It is a true testament to the fantastic staff of the College and a ringing endorsement of their commitment to provide exceptional support to our students.”

The Ofsted report states that learners achieve ‘very high standards’ and ‘succeed in gaining their qualifications as a result of inspirational teaching and learning’.

The accolade of ‘Outstanding’ was awarded across the board for all of the key inspection criteria including outcomes for learners, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and the effectiveness of leadership and management.

The college’s highly effective, responsive and wide-ranging curriculum was given a special mention by Ofsted inspectors, as they ‘meet the needs of employers, businesses and communities across the region.’

Mrs Legrave continued: The lead Ofsted inspector commented that the drive of staff to ensure students achieved their potential was so ingrained in our culture, it could almost be touched.

“Inspectors spoke to many students, employers, staff and other stakeholders during their visit and we would like to thank them for the huge amount of positive feedback they gave during the inspection.”

Subjects on the Brinsbury campus include: social care and early years, animal care and veterinary science, hairdressing and beauty therapy, visual arts, performing arts, English, business, administration and law in apprenticeships.

The college has 4,000 full time students and 11,000 part time students. There are two main sites in the heart of Brinsbury and Chichester.