Ofsted applauds South Hampshire College Group for ‘significant progress’ post-merger

South Hampshire College Group has been commended by Ofsted inspectors for making significant progress in all of the areas reviewed in its recent monitoring visit.

They included the college group’s shared vision, effective management, quality of education and highly efficient leadership structure.

In its first visit since the merger of Eastleigh College, Fareham College and City College Southampton, Ofsted praised the “exceptionally smooth transition into the new college group.”

The Ofsted monitoring visit report also highlighted the college group’s curriculum review and planned Centres of Excellence.

Inspectors recognised that the college group’s “leaders clearly communicate their plans to students,” with staff “already working together as single teams ahead of the move, enhancing their collaborative effectiveness.”

Further acknowledgement was given to the improvements made to the quality of teaching at Southampton College.

Comments included:

• “Highly effective teaching strategies in lessons”
• “Clear, useful and timely feedback”
• “Planning learning effectively to help students increase their knowledge”

Special commendation was given to the increased access to high-quality resources as a result of the merger, enabling students to learn in environments that replicate industry.

The college group also received significant praise regarding its progress in improving the quality of its apprenticeship provision at Eastleigh College.

It was noted that the newly appointed apprenticeship leaders “have an excellent understanding of the strengths and areas requiring development of the provision” and have made “substantial progress in making improvements.”

In addition, the Electrical department’s mentors were applauded, with inspectors commenting; “When they assess that apprentices are ready, they allow them to perform the same process under supervision. Consequently, apprentices produce work of a high standard, as well as making a valuable contribution to their workplaces.”

Andrew Kaye, CEO of South Hampshire College Group, said: “This report rightly recognises the significant progress the college group has made since merger.

“South Hampshire College Group is very well placed to provide the highest quality education and training to meet the needs of the region.

“Looking ahead, we are excited about our future plans for nearly £12 million investment in our colleges, which will provide our students and apprentices with new, industry-standard, learning environments.”

• shcg.ac.uk

To get the best of Hampshire Biz News straight to your inbox every week, sign up for our newsletter!