HCT Celebrate Excellent Ofsted Report
Herefordshire College of Technology is celebrating after an excellent Ofsted inspection that took place during May.
Staff and students at HCT were delighted that Ofsted inspectors graded the five overall judgements on the College as good: overall effectiveness of provision, capacity to improve, outcomes for learners, quality of provision and leadership and management.
Lead Inspector, John Evans HMI, stated, “This remains a good college which has continued to improve since its last inspection. Learners enjoy their lessons and develop personal, social and vocational skills which prepare them for life after college. A very high proportion of learners progress from college to higher education, employment or apprenticeships.”
College students told Ofsted inspectors that they liked the:
- Very helpful and supportive teachers
- Good teaching, especially teachers’ use of their links with industry
- The buildings, learning environment and facilities at the Hereford Campus
- The calm environment and library facilities at the Holme Lacy Campus
- Feeling very safe at the College
- The relaxed and sociable atmosphere
- The encouragement of learners to express their views.
Herefordshire employers confirmed to inspectors that they found:
- Courses were well suited to their needs
- The College provided a caring and supportive environment for learners
- Good communications kept them well informed about the progress of their employees
- There was a clear focus on a vocational curriculum
- The College had a strong desire to develop and sustain partnerships, and
- The College provided a good source for recruiting new staff.
Inspectors found that student success rates had increased strongly in recent years. Teaching and learning were good as were outcomes for learners, who enjoyed their lessons and had good attitudes to learning.
Leadership and management were identified as good. The principal, senior managers and governors had overseen significant changes in performance, buildings and curriculum over the last few years that reflect confidence and ambition for the College. Strategic and operational planning was good, and the College in a secure financial position with well managed budgets and offering good value for money.
Principal Ian Peake commented: “This round of inspections is extremely tough, and many colleges and schools are being awarded lower grades than previously – not so at HCT! We are all delighted with this excellent result. Inspectors have recognised continuous improvements achieved during a period when we have completely rebuilt our Hereford Campus and merged with Holme Lacy. I am extremely grateful to College teachers and support staff, governors and managers, students and our many partners, for working together to achieve this glowing Ofsted report.”
