We are OUTSTANDING!
18 May 2022
Click here to read the full report.
Students, Staff and Governors at Greenhead College are celebrating an Outstanding Ofsted result, following a rigorous, four-day inspection in March 2022.
The college is nationally renowned for its A Level provision. It was recently ranked as the top performing Sixth Form College in the north of England for A Level results according to the most recent Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide – the only northern college to make the top 10.
The inspection, which placed a big focus on the quality of the student experience rather than results and other data, left the inspectors so impressed that no weaknesses were identified.
The report recognises the exceptional provision available to students, which enables them to develop into confident and well-rounded individuals. They are encouraged to do their very best and treated as mature adults.
It also acknowledges that behaviour is exemplary, and that students are highly respectful to each other and staff. Students value the college’s holistic approach which emphasises their personal development as much as their academic achievement. The report also praises the College for its extensive mental health and wellbeing support.
Across subject areas, inspectors acknowledged how well teachers plan and use assessment, and provide very helpful feedback so that students can improve their work.
Inspectors also judged that students are well equipped for life after Greenhead, as they benefit from high quality work experience, employer visits and projects. Almost all students progress into higher education or higher-level apprenticeships, including those with high needs, who make progress in line with their peers.
College Principal, Simon Lett, said: “I am thrilled that Ofsted has recognised the exemplary learning culture which exists at Greenhead College. Greenhead nurtures individuality and independence through tailored support and as a result, our students develop skills in advance of their years. I am very pleased that Ofsted has recognised both the high academic standards which exist at the College but also the strong levels of support for safeguarding and wellbeing. The report is testament to the hard work of our staff and the resilience and ambition of our students.”
Richard Armstrong, Chair of the Governing Body at Greenhead College commented: “Greenhead College has been rated outstanding for the last 25 years. The latest Ofsted Inspection confirms that the College remains outstanding, teaching is outstanding, and our students are outstanding. Congratulations to all our staff and students for their amazing dedication and hard work – the Governors are incredibly proud of you all.”
Greenhead College was also recently named as one of the first 50 schools and colleges nationally to benefit from Department for Education funding to improve accommodation in science subjects. A new, purpose-built four-storey building for Biology, Chemistry, Politics and Psychology will open next year in time for the 50th anniversary of the College.