Awards

Ofsted Outstanding College 2007/2008

At the 2007 Ofsted inspection the college was judged as 'outstanding' .
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of schools wrote to the college:
" One of my most enjoyable annual duties as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector is to publish a list of providers that were judged to be outstanding when they were inspected. Please accept my warmest congratulations on achieving this very high standard of practice.
I do not underestimate the sheer amount of hard work, dtermination and ollaboration it takes to achieve outstanding provider status."

Beacon Award - November 2004

The Learning and Skills Beacon status was launched in March 2002. Learning and Skills Beacon status is the means by which the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), LSIS and the further education system recognize excellent colleges and other learning providers that consistently deliver high quality and successful teaching, supported by strong and effective leadership and management. All of the Beacons, which reflect the breadth and diversity of the sector, are required to share and transfer their good practice and participate in collaborative activities.

Queen's Anniversary Prizes 1996 and 2000

In November 1996, the college won a Queen's Anniversary Prize for higher and Further Education for it's contribution to the development of student monitoring and performance. The prizes are awarded "for outstanding achievements of excellence in activities, areas of work and projects which have benefited the nation." In the citation, the judges said "The introduction of this system has fulfilled the mission to improve the performance of each student and help them reach their potential."

A seconf Queen's Anniversary Prize was awarded in November 2000 to recognise the college's curriculum enrichment for sixth form students:
"The College's enrichment programme is a national exemplar of what can be done at sixth form level to extend students' education and personal growth beyond their academic courses. Hugely varied and demanding, the programme calls on students to develop self-reliance, promotes citizenship and prepares them to meet the world of work or further study with confidence and commitment.

At Greenhead College, each student's programme is in three fundamental parts: the main academic course, the associated personal guidance and support, and personal enrichment through an extensive enrichment programme. This wide-ranging programme of extra-curricular activities, introduced in 1990, enables students to develop their personal, sporting and social interests and prepares them more effectively both for higher education and future employment. One afternoon a week is dedicated to the enrichment programme although activities take place throughout the week. Almost all staff are actively involved with further specialist staff recruited for particular activities.

The volume, breadth, depth and quality of what is offered is exceptional. Competitive sport is outstanding in a number of areas where it was non-existent in 1990 and recreational sport and activities are extensive. Music and drama involve many public concerts and productions each year as well as regular weekly activities. Many students undertake community service on a weekly basis including giving help in primary and special schools, old people's homes, hospitals and other institutions. There are courses ranging from first aid to sports leadership and societies catering for every interest. The college runs a large and active Duke of Edinburgh Gold Scheme. Its extensive work-shadowing scheme is another of the many opportunities available for students.

This outstanding enrichment programme fosters a sense of community and cohesion within the college. For individual students, it enhances their personal development, rounds off their education at this stage and leads to an increase in motivation, achievement and retention. It develops key skills of communication, working with others and problem solving. It responds to the demands of employers in industry and commerce for people who are flexible, responsive and resourceful and provided valuable links with the local community."

Becta Award

The judges liked Greenhead College's web site because:-
"this is an attractive and active site which reaches its intended audiences effectively. The site is attractive, clean and uncluttered, and makes good use of colour and graphics. Navigation is straightforward and consistent. Information is organised well and logically, with a strong sense of site structure. The site is active, and students are positively encouraged to get involved and to contribute. The site effectively combines a student interface and focus, a celebration of student work, a collection of teaching resources, a prospectus and on-line marketing tools. This site is more than a prospectus - it also instils a feeling of community and a sense of pride and motivation. The site content was informative, interesting and useful, and is further enhanced by the integration of 'students' stories' and newsletters."

One judge commented: "The combination of student involvement and focus, teaching resources and the use of the prospectus as a marketing tool is impressive."

Beacon College

In May 1999, The Secretary of State for Education announced the names of ten Beacon Colleges. Greenhead College is delighted to be among the recipients of this prestigious title which is expected to be conferred on very few colleges. The award recognises the college as a national centre of excellence in education and brings with it a £50,000 boost in funding for dissemination of good practice in the sixth form college sector. A Government statement highlighted the outstanding examination results achieved by the students of the college and said that provision for them was exceptional. It also pointed out that the college had a national reputation for innovatory practice.

Accredited Status

Within days of achieving Beacon College status, Greenhead College became one of the first five colleges in the country to be accredited by the Further Education Funding Council. Accreditation is awarded on the basis of very strict criteria which include student retention and achievement, quality assurance, rigorous self-assessment and accountability. FEFC chief inspector Jim Donaldson said, "This is an important milestone in raising the quality of further education. The criteria for accreditation are demanding but provide an incentive for colleges to raise standards."