Priestley is "Outstanding" says OFSTED

Priestley College has been named amongst the most “outstanding” places of learning in the country following an inspection by OFSTED in which the Loushers Lane establishment was given a glowing report.

During March this year the College was inspected by HMI Ruth James and her OFSTED team of inspectors.

The Inspection Report looked into five key areas of College life, which included Effectiveness of Provision, Capacity to Improve, Achievements and Standards, Quality of Provision, Leadership and Management.

All five areas were graded as “outstanding” with all aspects of College life praised.

OFSTED concluded, “Priestley College is an outstanding college where every learner really does matter. It does everything in its power to maximise the life chances of its learners in a friendly, caring learning environment that encourages and enables them to do their best and achieve their potential. Learners make excellent progress; they are safe and well supported, and the College is extremely well led and managed.”

The findings identify Priestley as one of the top performing colleges nationally and comes on the back of sustained achievement and an on-going imaginative campus development project.

Results remain at an all time high with A-Level pass rates standing at 99.3% and 34 out of 38 advanced level subjects registered an impeccable 100% record. 14 out of 15 advanced vocational subjects also had a 100% record.

Student behaviour, the quality of teaching and the support of progression were recognised as key areas of great success according to OFSTED, “Attendance is outstanding. Behaviour is impeccable and learners display a respect for adults and each other alike.”

“Learners enjoy learning and rise to the teachers high expectations of them and enjoy being challenged. Teachers are enthusiastic, motivating, engaging and have very good subject knowledge. Advice and guidance on progression to higher education and employment or further training are excellent.”

By the time the new academic year begins in September, the College will also be operating out of new and improved facilities when the £7 million campus development plan is completed.

Amongst the new facilities is a brand new building which will dominate the entrance to the Loushers Lane site and house new teaching spaces and a high street standard food court.

Special emphasis is made in the report on the opportunities available to students to study abroad, have their voice heard and also contribute to the success of the College.

“A huge range of opportunities is on offer including many study visits to overseas destinations such as Kenya, New York, Poland and Lanzarote. The learner voice is given exceptional prominence at Priestley College through the Student Council, focus groups with the Principal, and work with the board of governors. Learners make significant contributions both to the college community and more widely.”

Speaking with regard to the published report, College Principal Mike Southworth, commented, “On behalf of the College I am delighted with the findings of the OFSTED inspection report. It is a fitting testament to the way our staff and students contribute to the day to day running of an outstanding campus.”

He added, “These are very exciting times to be associated with Priestley. We offer students the broadest range of sixth form choices across the area and believe we have a marked impact on the way our young people develop both academically and socially.”

“Our new build programme and £7 million investment leave us well placed to meet the challenges posed by an ever changing curriculum.”

Key strengths of Priestley College as highlighted by the OFSTED inspection

Caring and supportive learning environment
Excellent range of courses
High pass rates for most courses
High retention rates for most courses
Excellent learner progress and high value added scores
Much good teaching and learning
Good resources in many areas
Strong focus on the learner voice
Excellent participation in a wide range of enrichment activities
Outstanding learner support
Outstanding leadership and management
Strong external and community links

• OFSTED website • OFSTED Report (pdf)

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst