College keeps improving, say Ofsted inspectors

7th August 2009 2:37pm - Return to press releases

Education inspectors have said East Riding College is continuing to improve following an Ofsted monitoring visit.
The verdict came after the College - rated "good" at its last full inspection in 2007 - underwent a recent Ofsted inspection, a standard procedure where inspectors look at progress made since the last full inspection or monitoring visit. They found further progress had been made in all areas inspected.
In particular, they commented on further improvements in the quality of teaching and the use of information learning technology, the opportunities for learners' work-related activities and the College's successful involvement in Train to Gain, the national training funding initiative.
The results of the monitoring visit are a key part of East Riding College's drive to be rated as "outstanding" by Ofsted at its next full inspection.

Principal Derek Branton (pictured) said: "We are constantly striving to improve in everything we do and the Ofsted inspectors have found we have made progress in all the areas they suggested we focus on.
"It is much harder to make improvements when your standards are already high but our students, staff and governors are working really hard to meet the challenges laid down by Ofsted. Our aim is to achieve outstanding status."

David Thacker, chairman of governors, said: "Once again, the staff and the students at East Riding College have raised their standards and their achievements according to the latest Ofsted report after their recent visit.
"My fellow governors and I are very much aware of the commitment of Derek Branton, our Principal, and his staff to continuous improvement and it is so satisfying to know that the foremost inspection agency has confirmed that. The local community and our students from further afield can be proud of the College for its unchanging record of high standards and its search for excellence in all that it does."

East Riding College has been improving constantly since it was formed in 2002 by the merger of Beverley College and East Yorkshire College, Bridlington.
This is reflected in the successive increases in the recruitment of full-time learners aged 16 to 18 and adult learners sponsored by their employer in the past five years.
Key developments at the College include the construction of a new £17m campus in St Mary's Walk, Bridlington, which will open in September.
As well as constantly reviewing and enhancing its full-time and part-time courses, the College has also expanded its range of higher education courses and increased the amount of work-based learning it undertakes in partnership with local employers.

Ends 

Notes to editors:

The Ofsted monitoring report can be found by going to www.ofsted.gov.uk, clicking on "Inspection Reports", then "Colleges" and then "E". 

For more information, all Matthew Croshaw, marketing and communications manager, on 01482 306612 or email [email protected]