Burton and South Derbyshire College

Overview

The report describes a college where learners and apprentices make "rapid and sustained progress" due to "high-quality teaching and coaching." Leaders have cultivated a "high performing culture" with "exceptionally strong" relationships between staff and learners, resulting in excellent attitudes and high attendance. The provision is judged as outstanding across all categories, including education programmes, apprenticeships, and support for learners with high needs.

Strengths

• Teachers provide "precise advice and guidance" and use "imaginative and well-planned learning activities" that encourage deep thinking.
• Learners benefit from "well-sequenced" learning experiences and access to "specialist resources" that accurately reflect industry standards.
• Pastoral support is "outstanding," featuring a structured tutorial model that helps learners develop independence and understand democratic principles.
• Leaders maintain "exceptionally strong" relationships with employers, ensuring curricula meet local skills needs and employability priorities.
• Learners with high needs receive "highly individualised learning programmes" within an "inclusive and caring" environment.

Areas to improve

• Teachers must challenge learners on the T-level course in education and childcare to produce written work of the "appropriate standard."
• Leaders need to further improve apprenticeship outcomes, specifically regarding the proportion of apprentices who complete their courses in the "planned time."

Safeguarding

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