Barnet College Principal Marilyn Hawkins with staff and students from the School of Skills Development
Barnet College, one of the largest Further Education colleges in the UK, is celebrating after receiving the results of a challenging Ofsted Inspection that took place in December. In the January 2010 report Barnet College was graded “outstanding”, receiving two grade ones in “Independent Living and Life Skills” and in “Employer Responsiveness”. This is the highest grade that can be awarded by Ofsted. Overall Barnet College was given the thumbs up by Ofsted and rated “good” by Inspectors with a tremendous grade 2 - a real credit for a College of this size and diversity.
The Inspectors recognised that “support for learners is exceptionally good”, that “learners make good progress and develop good personal and social skills that enhance employability”.
“Safeguarding and equality of opportunity are well promoted...teaching and learning are good” and “relationships between staff and students are good” and the Inspectors recognised that students appreciate “the exceptional support of the tutors.”
Barnet College’s partnerships were judged “outstanding” and judged to be very “effective, diverse and innovative with employers and community groups”
The Inspectors found that “specialist provision for learners with disabilities is outstanding as is the Train to Gain programmes in Driving Heavy Goods Vehicles.” Barnet College Train to Gain work (training delivered to employers) was judged as “having very high success rates”. As the College delivers these programmes to over 4,000 learners a year this is a real tribute.
Leadership and Governance came out with flying colours and were judged to be “strong” and “the Principal, Governors and Senior Managers provide very effective leadership through clear strategic and operational planning.”
All cross College areas were graded “good” including:
- Outcomes for Learners
- Quality of Provision
- Leadership and Management
- Equality and Diversity
The subject areas inspected were judged to be “good” including:
- Business Administration and Law
- Early Years and Playwork
- English for Speakers of other languages
- Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy
- Visual Arts
Principal, Marilyn Hawkins said:
“We are delighted with the outcome of this extremely rigorous Inspection. This gave us independent confirmation of how really successful Barnet College is. It confirmed the College’s vital position as a strategic contributor to our communities, both in the London Borough of Barnet, London and the UK.
It is a challenging process for everyone involved but I am delighted that everyone came together as one team and worked to showcase our work. Yes, we were confident – my staff work extremely hard all year to deliver high quality teaching and learning. We have a good quality assurance process here but you cannot beat the observations of experienced Inspectors and we will be reviewing the report to incorporate observations into our annual action plan.”
Brian Reynolds, Deputy Chief Executive at the London Borough of Barnet said:
“Barnet Council is very pleased that one of its major partners in the provision of educational opportunities for students in the 16-19 age group has received such a positive Ofsted report. The relationship between the Council and the College has always been strong and will continue to develop over the years to come. A large area of growth in this ongoing relationship will be in the delivery of the new Diploma qualifications. The College will work in partnership with Barnet secondary schools to offer some of the new Diplomas and build on the good work which has already begun.”
Marilyn Hawkins continued:
“I am so pleased that Inspectors praised our support for our students – they really matter to us and are not just a number. My staff /team... are dedicated to our students and provide commitment above and beyond the call of duty each and every day. We have an independent endorsement of our valuable and successful work and we can now look forward to September 2010 when we move into our new £50million state – of – the - art campus at Wood Street.”
For further details on any courses at Barnet College call Course Information on 020 8266 4000, or visit www.barnet.ac.uk for more information.
Notes to editors
For all other enquiries, contact the College switchboard on 020 8266 4000
