Callywith College rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted inspectors

A college in Cornwall has retained its 'outstanding' rating from Ofsted following its inspection in March. Four years since achieving outstanding in all categories, Callywith College in Bodmin, which has doubled in size in the interim, has once again been given the highest rating by the education watchdog.

The inspectors’ report on their latest visit describes "exceptional" post-16 provision and learner outcomes based on unwavering commitment to excellence in education and student welfare. The Ofsted inspection closely scrutinized all aspects of the college's work, its teaching quality, its support for learners, students’ results and destinations, leadership effectiveness, overall provision of education, and learner safety and welfare.

Inspectors found student work of “an exceptionally high standard” based on “high-quality teaching from highly qualified, expert lecturers”. They described an organisational culture which is both “an inclusive environment” and one where “staff are very ambitious and have high expectations of their students”.

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Among other things inspectors praised “exceptional resources to assist in delivering high-quality education”, “highly effective professional development for staff” and “high-quality individualised careers advice and guidance with meaningful work experience or interactions with the world of work”.

The latest inspection framework focuses closely on the actual classroom and support experiences of students through Ofsted’s “deep dive” approach. In relation to this, inspectors found learners who “enjoy their studies, take pride in their work and are being well prepared for life in modern Britain”.

“All students are exceptionally well motivated, demonstrate very positive behaviours and work well independently," the report continued. "They are extremely well supported by the lecturers and other college staff. They undertake an excellent tutorial programme, which is well planned and flexible enough to adapt quickly to a changing world”.

The report also commended “highly skilled and knowledgeable governance” and the way “leaders, managers and trustees work well together”. It identified a strong shared understanding of the institution and a commitment to its continuous improvement.

Principal Jon Grey expressed his delight at the inspection outcome, attributing it to the collective efforts of a college community which always puts students first. "This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and trustees," he said.

"It reflects our shared commitment to providing holistic education that empowers students to achieve their full potential. The report speaks so highly of our academic quality but also praises our complementary tutorial and pastoral provision as integral drivers in an inclusive culture. This speaks volumes for the relentless focus of everyone on ensuring every student has the best chance of success.”

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The college currently attracts more than 1,500 students aged between 16 and 19 to its state-of-the-art campus where they can study a diverse range of courses in a post-16 offer with a wide range of vocational and academic pathways. Many students choose to travel significant distances, from across Cornwall and beyond, to attend the college.

These volumes of applications, however, mean that not all students who wish to attend the college will be successful in securing places for September 2024. Principal Jon Grey said: “We established the college to respond to a widely acknowledged need to allow many more young people access to the outstanding post-16 offer they and their life chances deserved and certainly not with the intention to ration provision or turn any learners away.

"However, with over 1,300 applications for 900 places in September, there will be disappointment for some again this year. Frustratingly, despite available space and planning permission, we have twice been denied strong bids for capital expansion by the Department for Education resulting in this current shortfall of places. We will continue to pursue all avenues to address this unsatisfactory situation. Hopefully, this latest Ofsted outcome will now help us secure the approvals and the support we need to meet demand.”

Applications for 2025 will open in the early stages of the Autumn term and the college advises interested applicants to ensure they apply early.