Bilborough College Ofsted report Jan 2024 –press release

OFSTED judges Bilborough College ‘Outstanding’ for Behaviours and Attitudes of students.

Students at Bilborough College are “enthusiastic and curious, with exceptional attitudes to learning” according to its January 2024 Ofsted report which rated the college as ‘Outstanding’ for student Behaviours and Attitudes and as ‘Good’ for Overall Effectiveness.  Staff and governors were delighted that inspectors praised the college for fostering, “a nurturing and aspirational culture in which students, from many different backgrounds, flourish together” benefiting from “a vibrant, purposeful environment and the diverse and positive culture”.

David Shaw, the college’s Principal, was keen to compliment the role of the “dedicated” staff team and also had high praise for the students who he said conducted themselves “brilliantly”.

He said, “I am thrilled that the inspectors recognised our college for treating “students as adults [expecting them] to be self-motivated and autonomous in their learning” and how students responded in a “mature” way, describing themselves as “extremely proud to be Bilborough students”.  It was rewarding to read how our carefully planned curriculum, skilful teachers and effective assessment has led to improvements in attendance, achievement, and high grades and we are committed to ensuring that the very small minority of courses which are not yet at this standard, catch up quickly.

“I am also proud to be part of a college where everyone can succeed, where students with special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well supported and where personal growth and skills development are highly valued alongside academic achievement.  The Ofsted team were very impressed with our “rich and varied programme of extra-curricular activities” and our “extensive range of progression and work-related activities” which build skills including “problem-solving, resilience and digital literacy” and we are already taking further steps to strengthen guidance for those who aspire to employment at the end of their studies.  This all encourages us to continue our mission ‘to develop confident, curious, happy students, ready to change the world for the better’.”

Nicky Harrold, Chair of Governors commented, “I am very pleased with the outcome of our recent OFSTED inspection, which was an in-depth four-day visit by seven inspectors.  I am especially proud of the fact that Behaviours and Attitudes of students were found to be “Outstanding” as this is something that every student contributes to, and it results in making Bilborough College a great place to study and work.”

To view the full report please click here. Applications remain open for September 2024, but a waiting list will be in place once target application numbers are met.

Notes to editors: Bilborough Sixth Form College is a member of Better Futures Multi-Academy Trust, located on the west side of Nottingham. It draws students from over 80 schools and has grown by over 300 students since 2019. In 2023, a new DfE-funded Technology Block was added to increase capacity to over 2000 students for the first time and it now has approximately 2050 students aged 16-18 studying either a full A Level programme, or a mixed programme of A levels and vocational courses.  Approximately 70% of its students go on to university – a large proportion to research-intensive universities such as the Russell Group – and the remainder into higher level Apprenticeships, employment or further training.