Runshaw College

Overview

Runshaw College is a medium-sized further education provider in Lancashire offering courses from entry level to level 5. The report describes a college where students and apprentices enjoy their education within a "wholly inclusive and welcoming college culture" that celebrates diversity. Leaders maintain "very high expectations" for behaviour and achievement, resulting in exemplary conduct and strong contributions to local skills needs.

Strengths

• Students and apprentices feel "valued and listened to," with feedback leading to tangible changes such as a contemplation room.
• Behaviour is "exemplary," with staff monitoring attendance diligently and intervening swiftly when necessary.
• The college makes a "strong contribution to meeting skills needs" by collaborating effectively with employers and stakeholders.
• Provision for learners with high needs is supported extremely well through "collaborative partnerships" and systematic adaptations.
• Teachers are largely subject experts who use their industry experience to bring "contextualised examples into lessons."

Areas to improve

• Provide clear and accurate feedback to apprentices on what they need to do to improve their knowledge, skills, and behaviours.
• Increase the proportion of students who make substantial progress from their starting points and achieve the highest grades.
• Further strengthen measures to reduce staff’s workload, as some teachers continue to find it difficult to manage.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.