Ofsted/ALI Reports

Newham College of Further Education has become one of only a small number of general further education colleges nationally that has been judged as consistently good over the last ten years. The result also rates the College as one of best general FE colleges in London.

The Ofsted and the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) inspected the college over a two-week period in November 2004. Highlights from the report include:

Leadership and Management are good.
Education and social inclusion is outstanding.
Success rates are at or above the national average
A majority of the learning areas are good, and all are at least satisfactory.
Good student support systems.
Innovative development of a credit framework curriculum (NewCAD) based on unit accreditation.
Good accommodation and learning resources.
Outstanding range of effective partnerships & collaborative working

Ofsted and ALI judged the college's response to educational and social inclusion as outstanding with courses offered in a wide variety of college, community and business venues. It was also noted that we are very effective in removing barriers to learning and meeting the needs of individual students.

When the inspectors asked Students about their views of the college they ranged from;

Friendly and warm atmosphere
Good access to computers
Helpful and supportive teachers
Opportunities for national and international trips
Gaining qualifications for employment
Advice and guidance before the start of courses and induction

In general pass rates have increased over the last three years on long courses at all levels and on short courses. All pass rates for 16 - 18 years olds are above the national average and improved over recent years.

Teachers are described as very knowledgeable about their subjects and are well qualified and experienced. Science, mathematics, ICT, hairdressing and beauty therapy and art, design and multimedia were all praised for their quality of teaching. The Ofsted inspectors also praised our highly effective strategic partnerships with Newham local council, business links, the chamber of commerce, schools and the Prince's Trust with many leading to the development of new provision. The work to support local businesses is describes as outstanding with college providing good value for money.

Principal, Denise Brown-Sackey, said:

"This is a fantastic result for the College, its staff and students. We are one of the country's largest and most ambitious colleges dealing with the widest diversity of needs in the country as a whole. Intensive inspection over a two-week period has judged that we are achieving our goals and objectives, and that the quality of education and training is good overall. The report also points to many examples of excellence and outstanding performance. We are very proud of this result and of our continuous track record of providing high standards of education and training for local people".

More information can be found on the Ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk