Richard Taunton Sixth Form College

Overview

The report describes a college with a “highly inclusive culture” where learners “feel welcome and safe.” While leaders have a “clear vision” and teaching is generally effective, the inspection identifies that too many learners have low attendance and do not achieve the grades of which they are capable.

Strengths

• Leaders create an inclusive environment where staff identify needs early and provide tailored support, such as help with childcare for young parents.
• Teachers use subject knowledge to explain concepts clearly and employ effective assessment techniques, such as mini whiteboards in mathematics, to check understanding.
• The curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced, with strong employer partnerships shaping courses like T-level adult nursing to ensure learners acquire essential clinical skills.
• Adult learners in English and mathematics GCSEs benefit from well-sequenced curricula and experienced teachers who create a “safe and supportive environment.”
• Learners with high needs access an “ambitious and flexible curriculum” with specialist support, helping them develop independence and relevant skills.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must strengthen teaching on level 3 vocational and academic courses so students gain grades reflecting expected progress from their starting points.
• Leaders should ensure staff apply attendance policies consistently to improve turnout across all provision types, as current attendance is “too low.”
• Leaders need to continue reducing the achievement gap between learners with high needs and their peers, as too many do not complete their courses.

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.