New College Doncaster

Overview

New College Doncaster is described as a place where students "thrive" and achieve "very well" across all programmes. The report highlights an "inclusive, welcoming culture" where leaders are "uncompromising in their vision" to enhance the experience for all students, regardless of background or additional needs.

Strengths

• Leaders allocate resources effectively to support disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who "typically perform even better than their peers."
• Teachers use "well-targeted, probing questioning" and precise feedback to deepen thinking, ensuring students build "secure and sustained understanding."
• The college fosters an environment where students demonstrate "impeccable" behaviour, kindness, and high attendance, feeling "safe and respected."
• Provision for learners with high needs is "high-quality and ambitious," with staff making "very helpful adaptations" to create inclusive classrooms.
• Staff wellbeing is prioritised through a "staff wellbeing hub" and partnership planning, resulting in staff who "feel valued" and are "proud to work at the college."

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure students make "extensive progress" in the small number of A-level subjects where progress is currently less extensive.
• Leaders should strengthen the work-related learning programme so that "all students benefit from high-quality work experience."
• Leaders and governors should ensure the education provided has a "transformational impact" on the learning and achievement of all students.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.