Totton College achieves 'Outstanding' Judgement from Ofsted

Totton College has been judged 'Outstanding' in its overall effectiveness by Ofsted. In December 2007 the College was inspected as part of a national inspection into the effectiveness of post-16 providers. Five grades were awarded to the College, all at 'Outstanding'.

• Achievement and Standards of its Level 3 (A Level) provision: Outstanding
• The Quality of Teaching, Learning and Academic Guidance: Outstanding
• The Quality of Curriculum: Outstanding
• Leadership and Management: Outstanding
• Inclusion: Outstanding
  

This also led to an overall judgement of 'Outstanding'.

The results of the inspection are posted on the Ofsted website and reported to Hampshire County Council and the Learning and Skills Council.

The inspection, in the week beginning 3 December 2007, was led by HMI Tom Winskill. It involved lesson observation of 10 departments, interviews of staff and students, scrutiny of college documentation, review of examinations data, lesson observation data and records of student progress.

The Inspector noted that in many subjects progress is excellent with very few weak areas. He noted that academic guidance is excellent and that teachers are highly supportive and accessible. HMI also said the 'teaching is characterised by well organised lessons conducted at a brisk pace'. The lead inspector highlighted the 'impressive range of courses at Level 3 and outstanding enhancement activities. It was also reported that the College has a highly effective system of self evaluation and robust monitoring of student progress. This is added to by a thorough, rigorous lesson observation programme. The Inspector also noted that Inclusion is at the heart of what the College does and that College leaders ensure that all students are equally valued.

As well as a report for the institution, Ofsted will also use the evidence as part of a national survey to assess how well students on Level 3 courses make progress in different post-16 settings. A national report covering Sixth Form Colleges, such as Totton, School Sixth Forms and general Further Education colleges will be published in the Spring.

Mark Bramwell, College Principal:

"In saying the 'relentless drive to meet student needs is central to the ethos of the College' I believe Ofsted have accurately reflected how the College works. This is seen through our wide range of courses, our support for gifted students, those who require additional support for their learning and the fact that our teachers know the students so well. The strong student teacher relationships quoted in the Inspection Report is the foundation of excellence in teaching and learning post-16. It can also lead to early interventions and challenge students to reach their full potential. The Inspector noted that almost all students made at least good progress on A Level courses and almost half of our AS students made outstanding progress. These are the messages students and parents want to hear.

We have had many awards in recent years but the staff and students really do deserve high praise for this outstanding inspection outcome."