Ofsted have recognised the continued success of Harlow College by once again rating them as ‘Good’, as well as receiving the highest grade of ‘Strong’ for contribution to skills. 

Students who “benefit from a productive learning environment” have helped secure a ‘Good’ grade across all judgement areas during the recent full inspection carried out across the College’s main campus as well as partner college, Stansted Airport College and Bright Futures adult learning hub based in the town centre. 

The report recognises the good progress made since the last inspection in January 2019 in a number of key areas, including Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, Adult Learning Programmes and Apprenticeships. 

Among the key findings of the Report, inspectors said that:

“Almost all students and apprentices enjoy their lessons and benefit from a productive learning environment. They develop new skills, knowledge, and behaviours as a result of their studies, and are well prepared to progress on to their next steps.”

“Students aged 16 to 18 have a positive attitude towards their studies. They apply themselves diligently to classroom activities. Most attend lessons well and on time. They behave well, and are respectful towards staff, peers and visitors.”

“Apprentices have a positive and professional attitude to learning. They recognise the importance of completing their apprenticeships, and work hard to achieve the outcomes needed.”

“Adults demonstrate maturity and an enthusiasm for learning. They benefit from carefully structured training and receive the support they need to gain and maintain employment. As a result, many adults secure full-time employment.”

“Students with high needs are an integral part of the college community. They benefit from coordinated specialist support, and have appropriate access to assistive technology to support their learning.”

Away from the classroom, inspectors were also full of praise for the College’s Enrichment activities.

“Students aged 16 to 18, including those with high needs, benefit from an extensive range of enrichment activities. They develop confidence, character and citizenship while attending various sporting activities, driving lessons, craft and cooking clubs, and participating in groups such as the LGBTQ+ society.”

On the College’s contribution to meeting skills needs, where the College received the highest grade, inspectors said:

“Employers and stakeholders contribute well to curriculum design. This leads to courses that incorporate key knowledge and skills for the local economy. courses that incorporate key knowledge and skills for the local economy.”

“Managers and staff throughout the college understand the part they play in meeting skills needs. Managers fully understand the local, regional, and national priorities and how the college fits within the skills ecosystem.”

Highlighting what the College does well, the Report stated that:

“Leaders and governors understand very well the needs of employers, their students and communities they serve. They consider these needs carefully when they plan the curriculum.” 

“Managers and teachers organise topics well, to help students and apprentices progressively build the knowledge and skills they need.”

“Teachers on apprenticeship courses have extensive, specialist technical expertise. They use these skills to provide well planned and insightful practical lessons.”

In summing up, the Report said that:

“The large majority of students and apprentices progress to their next steps successfully. For example, increasing numbers of plumbing students take up apprenticeships, and those that complete T levels or full-time aircraft maintenance engineering courses progress into related work opportunities. The large majority of students with high needs progress to apprenticeships, education or employment.”

Karen Spencer, Principal of Harlow College, acknowledged the successful report by saying:

“We are very proud of our students and staff at the College. In feedback from one of the Ofsted team we were told that 100% of the 750 students and apprentices who completed Ofsted’s survey had said ‘they would recommend the College to a friend’. This, alongside good grades across the board and the highest grade for how we contribute to local skills needs, is a tribute to everyone’s hard work.”

View the full report