Salford City College

Overview

The inspection judged the overall effectiveness of Salford City College as ‘Requires improvement’, reflecting inconsistencies in the quality of education. While ‘Behaviour and attitudes’ and ‘Personal development’ were rated ‘Good’, the ‘Quality of education’ and ‘Leadership and management’ were deemed insufficient. The report highlights that while many learners feel supported and safe, curriculum planning and assessment strategies for young people lack the necessary rigour and ambition.

Strengths

• Staff create “inclusive and respectful environments” where students feel “very well supported” and part of the community.
• Apprenticeships and adult learning programmes are rated ‘Good’, with apprentices developing “substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours”.
• Provision for learners with high needs is ‘Good’, offering tailored opportunities that help students “experience different cultures” and build independence.
• Leaders prioritise staff well-being, ensuring staff “feel listened to” and have access to support for physical and mental health.

Areas to improve

• Review curricula for young people to ensure they are “ambitious and challenging” and properly consider students’ starting points and destinations.
• Improve assessment and feedback strategies so students can “rectify misconceptions” and understand how to improve their work.
• Strengthen quality assurance systems and ensure governors provide “effective scrutiny and challenge” to drive swift improvements in education quality.

Safeguarding

The report states that “The arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that students feel safe and know how to report concerns.