Newbury College

Overview

Newbury College is described as having an "inclusive, welcoming and positive culture" where learners feel a strong sense of belonging. Leaders demonstrate a "very clear vision" to provide high-quality education that effectively prepares students for employment, further learning, and independent living, with strong partnerships with local employers.

Strengths

• Leaders and governors hold each other to account effectively, driving improvements through a "well-considered improvement strategy" and high-quality staff training.
• Apprenticeships, particularly in engineering, are highly effective, with apprentices achieving distinction grades and developing advanced technical skills aligned with regional needs.
• Adult learners make good progress, acquiring specialist knowledge and language skills that help them secure employment, promotions, or university places.
• The college provides robust support for learners with high needs, creating a respectful environment where they develop confidence, resilience, and independence.
• Staff create a supportive atmosphere, making reasonable adjustments for disadvantaged learners and those with complex needs to ensure they can access learning.

Areas to improve

• Teaching in GCSE English and mathematics does not yet help learners close knowledge gaps sufficiently to improve their grades.
• Attendance in GCSE English and mathematics is lower than expected, and strategies to improve this have not yet yielded full impact.
• Careers guidance for young learners is scheduled too late in the academic year, preventing them from making fully informed decisions about their next steps.
• Progress monitoring for learners with high needs on vocational courses at levels 2 and 3 is not consistently effective, leaving some unsure of what they need to improve.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified, acted upon, and managed to ensure learners feel safe.