Richard Taunton Sixth Form College’s inclusive culture and support for its learners have been praised by Ofsted inspectors.
The Southampton college was one of the first to be inspected under Ofsted’s new reporting system. The system has ended the use of single word judgements in favour of a more balanced report.
It said governors and leaders have a clear vision for the college, which has 771 students, including 102 with high needs.
“Since the previous inspection (in 2022) they have created an ambitious strategic plan that reflects well their highly inclusive core values,” it said.
“Leaders create a highly inclusive culture through their policies, systems and everyday practices. Learners, many facing multiple obstacles, quickly feel they belong to the college community and integrate well.”
richard taunton ofsted findings
The inspectors, who visited the college in January, found Richard Taunton meets the expected educational standard in six key areas – inclusion, leadership and governance, achievement for adult learners, as well as in curriculum and teaching for students, learners with high needs and adult learners – and acknowledged it has robust plans in place to continue making improvements in other areas.
They said students learn in a supportive and motivational atmosphere.
“All learners feel welcome and safe as soon as they arrive, whatever their background,” said the report.
“Most learners are motivated; they work hard in class and attend lessons well.
“Typically, learners are very satisfied with their experience. Those that attend take full advantage of opportunities that help them to enrich their knowledge beyond the basics of their course.”
They described the “buzz” they experienced throughout the college on the day students took part in enrichment activities.
ambitious and flexible curriculum
The report has praise for the college’s “ambitious and flexible” curriculum for students with high needs and highlights its investment in equipment and IT, its “safe and calm” classroom environments and the experience of its specialist staff.
“Learners with high needs move on to positive destinations, whether internally to higher level courses or to apprenticeships, university or employment,” it said.
Adult learners studying GCSE maths and English achieve well and produce work that shows clear improvement, the inspectors said.
“Adult learners enjoy coming into college each week… they say that the new skills and knowledge they develop give them greater confidence,” they added.
executive principal reflects on ofsted report
Executive Principal Andy Grant said the inspectors recognised the college is working hard to increase attendance and retention, which will have an impact on greater achievement.
“I’m pleased they have looked at the plans we have in place and endorsed them,” he said.
“We are working closely with students through the Student Council to understand what barriers there may be to getting to and staying in college – everything from the sequencing of our timetable to when the buses run, as well as student finances, on which we already offer a great deal of support, ” added Andy.
He said he was encouraged the inspectors highlighted the skill, dedication and experience of teaching staff.
“I’m delighted that there was praise all across the board, from the leadership to our teaching staff, careers teams and support staff,” he said.
“We work incredibly hard to create the right environment for our students and the inspectors have recognised that,” continued Andy.
Find out more about the college and the courses its offers at richardtaunton.ac.uk