Ofsted inspection rates Walsall College as 'Outstanding'

18th February 2013

Staff and students at Walsall Adult & Community College (WACC), an EAUC Member, have plenty to celebrate this New Year after learning the college has been graded as Outstanding by Ofsted, for its teaching and learning.

The College is one of the first learning and skills providers in the country to be judged as 'Outstanding' under the new Ofsted framework and short notice inspection regime and comes almost three years to the day since it was graded 'Good' in a previous inspection.

Under the leadership of its Principal, Maria Gilling the college received the highest grade possible for all five areas: Overall Effectiveness of Provision, Outcomes for Learners, Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Effectiveness of Leadership and Management. All areas of provision were graded Outstanding including Apprenticeship training, programmes for 16-18 year olds, adults and community development courses.

In total 24 grades were awarded, with WACC receiving 23 grades of Outstanding.

The inspection also graded the College's ICT, its Sport, Leisure and Recreation and Independent Living and Leisure Skills as 'Outstanding'.

Ofsted praised the College's efforts for its approaches to equality and sustainability and for the teaching and support students receive which helps them to progress to work or further learning.

Maria Gilling, who has been Principal at WACC since 2009 following the merger of Walsall Community College and the College of Continuing Education, said:

"Words cannot express how delighted we are with the results of this inspection.
"Under the new Common Inspection Framework, a College cannot be graded Outstanding overall unless its teaching, learning and assessment practice is judged as such.
"This outcome is certainly testament to hard work of our learners, staff, partners and governors. We certainly place learners at the heart of everything we do and this is evident throughout the report.
"We aim to build on this success and ensure that we maintain the level of service that our learners receive."

Councillor Anthony Harris, whose portfolio includes the College, added:

"We are delighted with the outcome of this report and I would like to extend my own appreciation and commendation to Maria and everyone at WACC.

"Having an Outstanding College on our doorstep is an excellent coup for the Borough and great for its economic regeneration."

Councillor Chris Towe, chair of governors at WACC said:

"This result is an exceptional achievement and as representative of the governors at the College I am extremely proud but not at all surprised.

"The staff here are really committed to getting the best out of our students and to help them reach their full potential. I would like to congratulate Maria and her team for such an excellent achievements."

Learn more about Walsall Adult and Community College and its Sustainability programme

Ofsted inspection rates Walsall College as 'Outstanding'

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