HEART of Worcestershire College has said it is already working on a plan to ‘address the areas identified for improvement’ after losing its ‘good’ Ofsted rating.
The college, with campuses in Redditch, Bromsgrove, Worcester and Malvern, was given a ‘requires improvement’ rating in all but two of the categories judged by Ofsted.
Inspectors said the college learners and apprentices did not always develop the knowledge and skills they needed to have successful careers in the sectors they had chosen.
They said: “As a result, a sizeable number of learners and apprentices do not benefit from taught content that is well structured, logically ordered, or works to support them in retaining information in their long-term memories.”
However, recently appointed college principal, Michelle Dowse, said the college has already started working on improvements.
She said: “Ofsted inspections provide an opportunity to look at ways to make the College even better.
“The inspectors noted that students had positive attitudes to their studies, were respectful to each other and felt supported by college staff.
“They also observed students enjoying their learning, being confident to contribute to lessons and able to study in calm, professional and inclusive environments.
“The inspectors reported our teachers are well qualified and our students feel supported and prepared to play their part in a modern society on leaving college.
“For example, our programmes support learners to develop key employment skills, such as teamwork and communication.”
David Ash, the college’s chair of governors, added: “We are delighted that we have appointed Michelle as Principal to lead the college and build on the Ofsted report.
“We are looking forward to working with her and the leadership team to ensure the college grows and ensures our students continue to develop the skills needed to support businesses in Worcestershire and beyond.”
