OFSTED officially rates Birkenhead Sixth Form College ‘OUTSTANDING’

Birkenhead Sixth Form College have been given the highest possible rating by education watchdog OFSTED as their recent inspection found that we are OUTSTANDING in every area.

"Teachers and support staff work tirelessly to ensure that students make rapid and sustained progress...students develop into young adults with a thirst for learning." - OFSTED report, Jan 2017

After OFSTED’s visit last month and using their tough new regulation framework, the Outstanding report has now been officially published on their website, which lists the maximum scores in all five categories of inspection, as well as offering glowing praise of our staff, management, and of course, our fantastic students.

College Principal, Kathryn Podmore, said: “I am absolutely delighted and extremely proud of the outcome and comments made in the inspection report.

“The report is a credit to both staff and students and reflects the passion, commitment and relentless hard work that goes on every day to ensure that the highest standards and excellence are attained in all aspects of its work.

“It is wonderful to see the acknowledgement that is given to the inclusive nature of the College, that staff are ambitious for their students and this results in learners making excellent progress and 'that students develop into young adults with a thirst for learning'. We are so proud as this is something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

Deputy Principal at the College, Mike Kilbride, explained: “The new style inspections are tough and really drill into the detail of everything an organisation does. We are therefore very proud that Ofsted have recognised the high quality education we give our students with their grading of the college as outstanding in all areas.  It really is quite humbling.”

Mr Kilbride continued: “There is no secret to being outstanding: just have superb staff, work really hard, be thoughtful and reflective in everything you do and never let go of the details.”

The news follows on from Birkenhead Sixth Form College’s shortlisting for the prestigious TES ‘Sixth Form College of the Year Award 2017’, as well as achieving A Level results placing in the top 10% nationally for progression in students’ grades in 2016.