Derby College

Overview

Derby College Group is a large further education provider judged as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. The report highlights a ‘strong contribution to meeting skills needs’ through effective employer partnerships and high-quality training environments. Most students and apprentices enjoy their studies, feel prepared for their futures, and benefit from well-resourced, welcoming settings.

Strengths

• Leaders collaborate closely with local stakeholders and employers to ‘meet specific skills gaps’ and inform course content.
• Students study in ‘welcoming and well resourced’ environments, using specialist equipment such as ‘simulated engine rigs’ and ‘hazmat suits’.
• Apprentices receive ‘high-quality training’ with clear expectations, resulting in professional attitudes and high attendance.
• Students with high needs benefit from ‘good guidance’ and access to ‘quiet space’, helping them become ‘more confident and independent’.
• Quality assurance processes are ‘thorough’, with leaders acting ‘swiftly’ to address underperformance.

Areas to improve

• Continue to improve younger students’ attendance so they ‘consistently attend their courses well’.
• Ensure all students with high needs study ‘well-planned curriculums’ to avoid unnecessary repetition of prior learning.
• Make sure students consistently benefit from ‘demanding enough learning activities’ and opportunities to practise what they learn.
• Support teachers to provide a ‘high standard of feedback’ that enables students to improve the quality of their work.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, noting that students feel safe and are confident to raise concerns with staff.