WQE and Regent College Group

Overview

WQE and Regent College Group is a large sixth-form college in Leicester where the overall effectiveness is judged as ‘Good’. Students value the ‘welcoming, inclusive and studious atmosphere’ and appreciate being treated like young adults with high expectations. The provider makes a ‘reasonable contribution to meeting skills needs’ through strong local partnerships and a curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education and employment.

Strengths

• Students develop ‘confidence and character’ and are ‘well prepared for their next steps’, with the majority progressing to undergraduate courses.
• Teachers are ‘experts in their subjects’ who deliver ‘lively and engaging lessons’ and use effective methods to help students retain knowledge.
• Leaders provide a ‘broad range of careers information, advice and guidance’, including individualised interviews and work experience placements.
• The college is an ‘inclusive environment’ with effective support for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and vulnerable groups.
• Staff feel ‘well supported and valued’ by leaders, who hold themselves to account effectively to drive improvements in attendance and outcomes.

Areas to improve

• Ensure teachers in all subject areas ‘plan and organise their curriculums logically’ so that core topics are taught at the right time for deep understanding.
• Ensure all teachers ‘check carefully students’ knowledge of new topics’ rather than moving on too quickly before understanding is secured.
• Ensure students benefit from ‘links to employers and industry experts, and opportunities such as work experience, where relevant’, particularly in areas like business and computer science where these are currently lacking.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’ and that students ‘feel safe at the college sites’.