On Friday September 13th, Ofsted informed St Mary’s College that an inspection would be conducted the following week. The staff and students quickly rose to the challenge by proving to be a harmonious college community that delivers a high quality of education.

A report published by Ofsted today acknowledges the good practice by both staff and students at St Mary’s College.
The Further Education and Skills inspection report highlights the college as providing “a caring, harmonious and purposeful environment for learning”.
A team of Ofsted inspectors celebrates the students approach to their studies by stating that their “behaviour and attitudes to learning are exemplary”. This commitment from the students to excellence in learning is a key finding by Ofsted who comment in the report that “many learners achieve higher grades than would be expected”.
The teaching at St Mary’s is also reported upon by the inspection team who have recognised that “teachers have an infectious enthusiasm for their subjects and pass this on to their learners”.
During the four day inspection, the team witnessed all aspects of college life, giving prominence to “the caring ethos displayed by staff”. The report reflects the support framework offered at St Mary’s as a strength expressing that “learners are well prepared for progression to further or higher education or employment”.
Recognising that “the college is a safe and welcoming environment”, Ofsted have awarded this area of safeguarding as Outstanding.  


The Principal, Frank Dixon said: “We are delighted that Ofsted have confirmed what we have always known about St Mary’s College. It is rewarding that the team of inspectors have recognised all the good practice and hard work by both staff and students at the College.”