Bilborough College Principal, Chris Bradford, was delighted with the outcome of the college’s recent OFSTED Inspection, published on Friday 22nd May 2009, which judged the College to be good with outstanding aspects. In the two years since he joined the College he has come to understand and value what makes it so popular.
“It was great to see the college’s strengths - our students’ results, the learning and teaching and the leadership and management at all levels - so clearly acknowledged in the report” he said. “The way we go about meeting our students’ needs and interests and the guidance and support we provide were both judged to be outstanding – a massive boost for my team of staff who work so hard to make this happen. Inspectors were also astounded by the range and quality of our Enrichment programme, the extra learning opportunities we provide alongside the A Level programmes.”
Inspectors spent two days at the college observing classes and interviewing college governors, managers, teaching and support staff and students. This allowed them to check out judgements they had started to make based on an analysis of the college’s results.
Chris added, “As well recognising the way we help our students to achieve to a high level and to move on successfully to university and work, inspectors were impressed with the way we encourage a range of young people to take advantage of the high quality courses and support them through the process.“
Bilborough College’s approach to educational and social inclusion was graded outstanding, a fact that was particularly pleasing for the Governors. The report states: “The college has widened participation successfully and is excellent at raising students’ aspirations and broadening horizons. It is a safe, happy and harmonious environment where students from different cultures, faiths and socio-economic backgrounds promote community cohesion well.”
The college is not resting on its laurels. “We are always looking to get better”, added Chris, “and we know what we need to improve. The inspection confirmed our own assessment. The secret of our success is that we are never satisfied and our next challenge is to get it right for the new group of Year 12s. They’ll join us for their induction programme once their GCSEs are over in June before starting in earnest in September. We’re really looking forward to meeting them.”
College staff are preparing to broaden the range of courses by offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma for the first time from September 2009 alongside the extensive AS and A Level programme.