Staff and students at Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College are celebrating after the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) acknowledged excellence at their inspection in June 2008.
The college, who are now a part of the Newcastle College Group after their merger last August 2007, received a glowing report which noted in particular the outstanding progress made since the last inspection in 2006.
The college was praised for its high and improving success rates, outstanding student support, advice & guidance, effective tutorial support and good teaching and learning.
The inspectors noted the college’s course re-alignment that now effectively responds to the needs of the local community and commended the considerable investment made at Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College.
The report also noted that employer engagement had developed rapidly and that the achievement of learners on work based learning programmes is good.
Beverley Robinson, Principal at Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College said: “I am delighted that Ofsted have recognised our excellent progress. These results are testimony to the effort and commitment shown by everyone at the college.
“Crucially, our hard work is paying off in high retention and outstanding student support, providing a high quality and valuable learning experience for our students.”
Jamie Martin, Chair of Governors for the Newcastle College Group added : “We are immensely proud of all the staff. This is a fantastic achievement for everybody connected with the college – for our learners and parents, staff, employers and stakeholders.”
Business representatives and students were also interviewed as part of the inspection and further endorsed the inspector’s judgements.
The college is currently working on plans for their brand new £35 million college building in Skelmersdale Town Centre as part of the Skelmersdale Vision. The new college will provide state-of-the-art education and training facilities fit for the 21st century.