Alton College

Ofsted Inspection Report 2009 - Summary

Outstanding, Ofsted 2009/10

Alton College is outstanding in every way: that was the judgement of Ofsted after their inspection of the College in October 2009.

Ofsted examined five areas which are graded on a four point scale where 1 is outstanding and 4 is unsatisfactory.

Effectiveness of provision: Outstanding Grade 1

Capacity to improve: Outstanding Grade 1

Outcomes for learners: Outstanding Grade 1

Quality of provision: Outstanding Grade 1

Leadership and management: Outstanding Grade 1

Overall effectiveness

Alton College is outstanding. College managers and governors demonstrate outstanding capacity to make improvements in outcomes for students and the quality of provision. Students’ achievement of qualifications has improved and in 2009 was excellent. It is clear that the students feel safe at the college and make excellent progress. Many, including disabled students and those on maintenance grants, successfully progress to undergraduate study. Students also enjoy taking part in a wide range of cultural and sporting activities and achieve considerable successes. The college successfully promotes equality and diversity and has robust safeguarding procedures in place. Excellent progress has been made in addressing the areas for improvement that were identifed at the previous inspection. Teaching and learning are good overall, but a minority of lessons do not always have sufficient challenge for all students. The accommodation, learning and specialist resources and access to information technology are outstanding. Students are very well supported and guided through their studies. The views of students, parents and partner organisations are effectively sought and acted upon. The college actively collaborates with a wide range of partners to develop its provision and that of east Hampshire. Leadership and management of the college are very strong and systems to review and evaluate provision are well organised and effective. Development plans are sensible and lead to improvements. The college represents outstanding value for money.

Main findings

  • Students thoroughly enjoy their studies and achieve outstanding outcomes. Pass rates are consistently above national averages for both academic and vocational programmes. Disabled students from Treloar College achieve high standards and enjoy studying at the college.
  • Students’ attainments are above that predicted by their previous results and disabled students make very good progress.
  • The development of students’ economic and social well-being is outstanding and students also show success in a variety of sporting and cultural contexts. A high proportion of students go on from Alton College to university.
  • Teaching and learning are good. Most lessons were graded good, some outstanding and a small number satisfactory. Students develop confidence and very good subject knowledge during their studies.
  • However, a minority of lessons fail to challenge and fully develop the skills of all the students.
  • Teachers and students work very well together to develop and maintain individual learning plans. Students understand the importance of realistic targets and value their learning plans.
  • The advanced curriculum is very broad and offers a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications. The range of courses at intermediate and foundation level has increased since the last inspection.
  • The college collaborates with an extensive range of partners, which contributes to improving outcomes for the students and the local community.
  • Care, guidance and support for students are outstanding. Students settle into college very quickly and appreciate the exceptional support of their tutors. Additional learning support needs are quickly identified and the support provided is highly effective.
  • The college is outstandingly led and managed. Governors effectively review and monitor all aspects of the college performance.
  • The college places a strong emphasis on students’ health, safety and well- being. Students are clear about actions to take should they feel bullied or discriminated against. Vulnerable students are well protected.
  • The college promotes equality and diversity very well. The individual needs of students are well met. However, college managers recognise that there is inconsistency in the promotion of equality and diversity at curriculum level. The college listens carefully to students, parents and its partners. Opinions are actively sought and responded to promptly.
  • The college is meticulous in evaluating its strengths and weaknesses and identifying areas for improvement. The self-assessment report is accurate and review at curriculum level is very effective in bringing about improvements.

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Page last updated 3rd March 2010

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