Hertford Regional College

Overview

Hertford Regional College is a medium-sized further education provider with campuses in Broxbourne and Ware, offering courses for young people, adults, apprentices, and learners with high needs. The inspection found that most learners are motivated, develop technical skills quickly, and study in inclusive, well-resourced environments. Leaders have designed a broad curriculum that effectively meets local skills needs, particularly in construction and art and design.

Strengths

• Learners exhibit "caring and respectful behaviours" and benefit from staff who help them be their "true selves".
• The provision for learners with high needs is "Outstanding", featuring specialist resources and therapeutic support that foster independence.
• Teachers are well-qualified and use effective strategies, such as "talk-less teaching" and frequent recall, to build secure understanding.
• Apprentices receive strong support from employers, ensuring training is "integrated and well coordinated" for swift workplace application.
• Leaders promote equality of opportunity effectively, with a strong focus on health, well-being, and fundamental British values.

Areas to improve

• The provider should ensure young people have high attendance for English and mathematics, and in vocational areas where it is currently low.
• The provider should ensure employers are involved in the co-design and implementation of all curriculum areas across the college.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with learners having a mature understanding of how to stay safe and confidence that staff would respond swiftly to concerns.