College lodges complaint over Ofsted report (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

College lodges complaint over Ofsted report

9:15am Friday 18th January 2008 in Swindon By Sarah Hilley

SWINDON College has hit back at an Ofsted verdict slamming its performance.

The college says the report, published today, is not in context.

It says that inspectors focused on a small part of the college's work and does not give enough praise for over performance in many areas.

Because of that the college has lodged a formal complaint about the quality of the inspection.

"We are basing all of the challenges on fact and we can prove it," said college principal Jonquil Brooks.

"The inspectors have given insignificant weight to our strong points.

"They didn't give credit where it is due."

Ofsted slammed the college's offering of equal opportunities - branding it inadequate.

But Mrs Brooks says the accusation is false, as nearly 10 per cent of its pupils come from ethnic backgrounds, in spite of only 4.8 per cent of Swindon's population being of foreign descent.

"We are baffled by this," she said.

The report judged that equality, achievement and standards, and effectiveness of provision are inadequate.

It also criticised construction, literacy and numeracy courses.

"It is frustrating that all our eight main programme areas - bar one in construction - are either satisfactory or good but that this is not reflected in the report," said Mrs Brooks.

"We are taking strong measures to improve adult literacy and numeracy courses but these areas do represent just three per cent of our overall provision."

The report also questions the achievements of students at level two, equivalent to GCSEs.

"Our overall success rates for some students on level two courses from 16 to 18 were below average last year,' said Mrs Brooks.

"However, we have taken clear actions to support students and improve their achievements on these courses."

College spokeswoman Amanda Burnside said: "We don't recognise our college in the report.

"It is disappointing for students and staff."

Students at the college said staff worked hard.

Nineteen-year-old Darren Lewis and 30-year-old Gary Jones are doing the National Diploma in Sport.

"I can't say enough good about the college," said Gary, from the town centre. "It is brilliant and has opened so many doors for me.

"I have learned so much and gained on a personal level as well."

Darren, from Park North, said: "I am progressing to a second course with the help of teachers putting in extra hours so I can make it."

Ben Higgins, 16, of Purton Stoke is studying plumbing and hopes to get an apprenticeship soon.

"I am learning loads of new things and the tutors are helpful."

Ofsted was unavailable for comment yesterday.