Inspiring Minds, Shaping Futures: Boston College Celebrate ‘Good’ Ofsted Grading

Boston College is proud to announce that it has been awarded a ‘Good’ Ofsted grading following its recent enhanced inspection. This achievement recognises the College’s commitment to providing high quality education and training to each and every learner, preparing, and empowering them for success in their chosen careers.

The College underwent a rigorous four-day inspection between 5th – 8th December, by a 10-member Ofsted Team. This thorough assessment delved into all aspects of the College’s operations, encompassing an evaluation of its provision, leadership, and effectiveness. The Inspection Team engaged in extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including staff, learners, governors, and key college partners, as well as observing lessons to analyse the quality of teaching and learning in action.

The Inspectors were particularly impressed with the College in several key areas and stated:

• Learners have access to a range of support mechanisms to manage stressful situations and develop greater resilience to support their learning as well as their attendance to college.
• Learners and apprentices develop their knowledge and skills well, and they perform at or above the expected standard. Tutors make effective use of high-quality learning resources for adult learners and re-visit topics so that they successfully build on their knowledge. Learners also develop their English and mathematics skills well.
• Learners, including those with high needs, benefit from work experience placements or work-related learning and live briefs. Learners with high needs benefit from well-planned induction activities that prepare them suitably for college. Staff in foundation learning create a calm, caring and nurturing environment and as a result, learners with high needs develop their independent living and personal skills well.

They also praised the College’s dedication to student welfare, noting that:

• Learners are well informed about key topics linked to their personal development, such as healthy relationships, consent, and sexual harassment. They are confident to discuss these topics and understand how to identify negative behaviours in others.

Speaking of the report, Claire Foster, Boston College Principal and CEO said, “I am absolutely delighted with the result which reflects the hard work and commitment of our leaders, teachers and wider teams who create inspiring environments and opportunities for high-quality lifelong learning. I couldn’t be more proud of this achievement for staff, learners and for the communities we serve. We are thankful for the continued support of our stakeholders including the many employers who spoke so positively about the impact that Boston College has in developing skills to energise our economy and brighten people’s lives.”

The new enhanced inspection introduced in September 2023 places significant emphasis on the College’s contribution to addressing skills gaps and fostering meaningful collaboration with employers in shaping its curriculum. Following in-depth discussions with local employers and curriculum leaders, the inspectors acknowledged the College’s commendable effort in skills development, awarding it a ‘Reasonable’ rating, the second highest category available, stating:

• The College is well connected with the local community and understands well the region’s existing and emerging skills needs. Senior leaders have developed positive relationships with a range of stakeholders and employers. Curriculum managers and teachers work with employers and community groups to help understand and develop the skills that their learners need.

Heather Marks, Boston College Deputy Principal, and the College’s Ofsted Nominee said, “This is a clear acknowledgement of the positive learning environment we have fostered, the strong leadership in place, and the excellent progress our students are making. We are excited about the exceptional opportunities that lie ahead, thanks to our skills-based and technical curriculum. We are really pleased with this fantastic result.”

The ‘Good’ grading is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Boston College staff and learners. It reinforces the College’s commitment to continuous improvement and its unwavering dedication to provide for its learners.

Expressing his delight at the Ofsted grading, David Earnshaw, Boston College’s Chair of Corporation said, “This is a great result, demonstrating the College’s commitment to quality education for all its learners and just reward for the hard work of the outstanding team who work at the college. Boston College is at the heart of this community and Boston can be rightfully proud of the college and this judgement.”

The full report can be found at: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50238963