The Cornwall College Group celebrates glowing Ofsted report

In a huge boost for learners, businesses, and communities in Cornwall and Devon, The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) is officially ‘all good’.

A week-long, 22-inspector Ofsted inspection in February, resulted in a report full of praise for the Group, which includes Cornwall Colleges in Camborne, St Austell and Newquay, Duchy Colleges in Rosewarne and Stoke Climsland, Falmouth Marine School, Sisna Park, Bicton College in Devon, and CCB Training.

Ofsted revealed “Leaders are passionate about the power of education to change lives and benefit the wider community,” noting they had also “transformed the culture at the college”.

Principal and chief executive of TCCG, John Evans, said achieving an overall ‘Good’ Grade 2 rating and ‘Good’ for each of the eight areas of inspection, which includes “quality of education”, was a testament to the hard work, consistency, and dedication of
staff and students.

“We are delighted, as we have shown that through our uncompromising ambition to give the very best experience and outcomes for our learners, we are a college of choice in the communities we serve,” he explained.

“To receive a glowing report like this from Ofsted demonstrates the distance we have travelled as an organisation. But what is most important is learners, parents, and businesses in the region can have absolute confidence in our ability to deliver quality education and training experiences that will help them in their next steps, whether that is continuing education, starting a new career, or upskilling their workforce.”

“Of course, as anyone who knows me will not be surprised to hear, we are not stopping here, and we’re looking forward to the next exciting stage of our journey as one of the top colleges in the region.”

TCCG is known as “The Career College”, and the report highlighted how the Group’s mission, to provide “exceptional education and training for every learner to improve their career prospects”, was having impact, noting the college “makes a positive and vital
contribution to the development of vocational skills”.

“Governors, senior leaders and managers have worked relentlessly to establish the college as an influential partner in the region. They work productively with local and regional stakeholders to offer a curriculum which meets the needs of learners, the community, and local stakeholders” the report stated.

“Leaders provide a strong and extensive vocational offer, which prepares adults well for employment”, “Employers work closely with managers to ensure that the apprenticeship curriculum reflects current practice and the needs of the industry,” and “Teachers and
trainers use their extensive skills and experience from industry to inform their teaching well”.

Mr. Evans said that the Group achieved this by making informed decisions through collaboration with local and regional stakeholders and community partners.

“We have a shared goal of supporting and forming highly-trained professionals that match current market standards,” he continued.
“It’s about serving the community as a whole, whilst unlocking individual talent.”

As part of this process, learner development must go beyond the teaching of practical skills. Mr. Evans said it was fantastic that Ofsted had picked up on the fact that learners were not just learning the technical skills they needed for their future careers, but also the
personal skills that have an impact in the workplace.

Investment in the Group’s campuses is also featured in the report, with Ofsted finding that “Students and apprentices benefit from learning in a wide range of high-quality practical teaching facilities, such as workshops, studios, and commercial units”.
The report revealed how students and apprentices felt safe at college, adding that “Staff deal swiftly and confidently with any concerns students have.”

“Students and apprentices benefit from the strong culture of mutual respect and understanding that leaders and managers have created”, also noting that achievement is linked with attendance, where “Staff monitor students’ attendance very closely and
follow up unexplained absences promptly”.

Mr. Evans added that he’d “like to thank all the parents, the schools, the businesses and everyone we work with for supporting us in this journey, as this result is as much theirs The Cornwall College Group celebrates glowing Ofsted report 3 as it is ours”.

“And I would urge anyone thinking of their next steps in education, training or their careers to get in touch and sign up to an Open Event, as they can be confident they will have a fantastic experience and achieve their career ambitions with The Cornwall College Group.”

The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) comprises campuses across Cornwall and Devon, providing a wide range of vocational, further,
and higher education courses, and apprenticeships, from pre-entry to level 7 and provision for learners with high needs.

The Cornwall College Group incorporates Cornwall College, Duchy College, Falmouth Marine School, Bicton College and CCB Training and is one of the largest FE and HE providers in the South West.