Richard Huish College

Overview

The report describes a college with a “strong local reputation” justified by a “culture of respect and high aspirations.” Leaders and staff have established a “reflective, aspirational community” where teachers set “high academic standards” and learners respond by “studying hard” to achieve exceptional outcomes.

Strengths

• Teachers use “evidence-based methodologies” to instil an “excellent attitude to their studies” and promote “purposeful independent study.”
• Curriculums are “carefully constructed” and taught “extremely well,” with staff collaborating with external organisations to provide “unique and inspiring experiences.”
• Leaders implement a “highly effective method of monitoring” that allows them to “swiftly identify underperforming areas” and deal with weaknesses “rapidly and comprehensively.”
• Support for progression is “particularly strong and well organised,” including valuable tutorials and careers advice.
• Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” with a culture that “emphasises learners’ safety” and swift, coordinated interventions.

Areas to improve

• A small number of vocational learners are “not taught to use their independent study time effectively.”
• On a small number of courses, such as level 2 business and level 3 information technology, learners do not get “such good opportunities to gain an insight into working in their chosen field.”
• Teachers do not teach adult learners in the care sector “enough to extend their knowledge of the care sector.”

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that leaders quickly investigate concerns and coordinate support with external agencies.