Bath College

Overview

The inspection found that while young learners and those with high needs benefit from effective teaching and a welcoming environment, adult learners and apprentices often fail to make expected progress due to insufficiently planned curricula. Leaders have not ensured consistent quality across all provision types, particularly in adult learning and apprenticeships, resulting in an overall judgement of 'Requires improvement'.

Strengths

• Young learners and those with high needs develop necessary skills for progression because teachers "plan and teach the content of the curriculum effectively."
• Most learners enjoy their experience as teachers create a "welcoming and inclusive environment" where staff set "high expectations for behaviours."
• Learners feel safe because staff create a positive environment in which "bullying and harassment are not tolerated."
• Subcontractors provide high-quality curricula, such as in performing arts, where industry experts teach "current and relevant knowledge."
• Leaders have successfully developed Skills Bootcamps, working closely with employers to identify skills needs like welding.

Areas to improve

• Improve assessment and feedback so learners know "what they need to do to improve" and to inform future teaching based on prior knowledge.
• Increase participation in work-related activities for young learners, as "too few... take part in external work experience."
• Improve careers guidance for adult learners and apprentices, who currently lack awareness of their options and next steps.
• Enhance stakeholder involvement in curriculum design to ensure skills gained meet employer needs across all provision types.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."