Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted Annual Assessment
The College was visited by OfSTED in May 2007 and OfSTED Inspectors were pleased with the College's progress.
In particular it was noted that although the October OfSTED inspection had been unable to consider the College's 05/06 results or take into account that "...the College's own data showed some early indications of improvement", the May visit was able to recognise the marked improvement in student success rates in 05/06 as "borne out by detailed consideration of the completed 2005/06 achievement data."
Specifically, "The long level 1 success rate improved from 47% in 2004/05 to 59% in 2005/06. At long level 2 the success rate rose from 46% to 62% and at long level 3 from 57% to 63%. The short course rate improved from 40% to 78%."
OfSTED found that success rates had improved for learners aged 16-18 at levels 1 and 2.
Success rates well above the national average have been achieved by learners aged 19+, at levels 2 and 3 and short course success rates were improving.
The Inspectors were also able to note that significant improvement had taken place in work-based learning, "Timely success rates are now satisfactory and have improved significantly during the last three years. In Business Administration the success rate for all apprentices has improved from 68% to 73%."
Overall the Inspectors were pleased with the College's satisfactory improvement
The College was inspected in December 2007
Braintree College is delighted by the finding of OFSTED Inspectors, as published on 8th February 2008. When inspectors visited the college in December 2007 they were particularly impressed by the college's significant improvements in success rates for students aged 16 to 18, as well as in Key Skills and Work Based Learning. We are delighted that their findings so closely mirror our own assessment of our performance and highlight the considerable improvements made by the College in recent years.
In total eight curriculum areas were inspected, six areas were judged to be satisfactory, with two, Information and Communication Technology and Health and Care judged as good. OFSTED commented: "Success rates were high for the National Diploma in early years and in the case of National Diploma for IT practitioners and the first Diploma for IT practitioners, success rates have been above the national average for the last two years." In addition OFSTED noted the high success rate for AS Maths, Spanish and A level Business, as well as success rates for Beauty Therapy, Arts, Media and Performing Arts.
The College was able to demonstrate that it provides a wide range of courses, and that students are well supported by an effective pastoral team and that they make good progress either into work or Higher Education.
Chair of Governors Brian Cutmore added, "I would like to say how proud I am of the students, staff and managers at the college for achieving such a positive report. All the hard work has brought about substantial improvements as evidenced by the OFSTED Inspectors. From this platform the college will continue to move forward and go from strength to strength."
