The Isle of Wight College

Glowing OfSTED Report

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Last month, The Isle of Wight College received a glowing report from Ofsted, the education inspection body, with particular praise directed at its links with business.

Report by James Kerr for Island Business, August 2007

As the summer holidays begin, staff at The Isle of Wight College have every reason to enjoy a well-earned break. Last month, an Ofsted report ranked the college as one of the best in Britain.

The Ofsted report described the college as 'outstanding', working very effectively to serve the island community, with a sharp focus on meeting the needs of all stakeholders, particularly those of employers. Inspectors noted that since the previous inspection, links with business have been extensively developed. The college worked with more than 600 employers in 2006/2007, achieving Action for Business status.

"Local businesses have been good advocates for the college over recent years," commented College Principal, Debbie Lavin.

Meanwhile, island employers have praised the ability of the college to run successful courses that meet their particular needs.

Kim Coles of the South Wight Housing Association said: "The college actively seeks feedback to ensure that training content is relevant and adapted to both national legislation and local needs. College staff are keen to listen and respond to our business needs."

As the only further education college on the Isle of Wight, meeting a wide range of learners' needs is a key aim. The college provides industry-relevant training in many disciplines, and the report noted that resources are good and materials and tools used in many vocational areas are at industry standards.

Teaching, particularly of practical skills, is excellent, the report noted. Inspectors found that a large majority of lessons were 'good' or 'outstanding'. Well-taught students have achieved very high standards on the majority of courses, particularly in leisure, travel and tourism, and Ofsted noted that this is reflected in results, which were much higher than the average for similar institutions, and placed the college in the top 10 per cent of the country. Half of the learners on advanced courses progress to higher education and most of the remainder go into full-time employment.

The report noted the importance of good governorship. The governors bring a wide range of expertise to their roles, including input from members of the island's business community.

On the financial side, Ofsted found that overall financial management was sound and that the college "provides very good value for money". Specifically, over the past three years a ?6 million building programme at the college has been completed without generating significant borrowing.

Clearly this is no time for complacency, though. Although there is no shortage of up-to-date equipment, inspectors reported that some of the infrastructure remains old and unsuitable. The college must now turn its attention to plans to redevelop the site and is preparing a bid to fund a ?30 million new build project.

Aside from buildings, the college is also having to find ways to tackle the skills shortage in the boat-building sector and related industries and is in talks with other interested parties about a possible marine training centre.

The report concluded that the college has made outstanding progress, which has been achieved by strong leadership and management, a commitment to raising standards, and a focus on servicing the community.

Ms Lavin described the report as "the best possible result for the college and the island."