Staff and students at Franklin Sixth Form College are celebrating today, as Ofsted awards the highest possible grade across the board, declaring the College Outstanding.
The College was awarded Outstanding across all areas of provision, including Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, Education Programmes for Young People, Adult Learning Programmes, and Provision for Learners with High Needs.
Wendy Ellis, Interim Principal, commented: I am immensely proud of our college community for achieving an Ofsted outstanding grade. This is testament to our collective hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for all our students.
Inspectors recognised the exceptionally high standard of teaching and support provided to all students including those with high needs and additional learning needs. They also highlighted the College's, ‘robust Aspire and Personal and Professional Development programmes’ which are delivered in addition to the academic subjects chosen by students. These additional initiatives ensure students are well-informed about their potential next steps after college. Inspectors praised the students at Franklin, noting how confidently they spoke about their intended onward destinations after college, these include progression into higher education, employment, or apprenticeships.
In the report, students were praised for their positive attitudes to learning and attendance and their participation in the excellent range of Personal and Professional Development (PPD) activities. The PPD programme offers students the opportunity to develop their wider skills and knowledge in activities such as debating, journalism and mathematics or participation in sports, performance, and the arts. All PPD activities have links to careers and help students develop their talents and interests in preparation for their future lives.’
Peter Kennedy, Executive Principal and CEO, said: ‘The Ofsted award of Outstanding in all areas is a welcome recognition of our amazing college, of all the work of our students, staff, governors, and stakeholders that has gone in to building a college of and for the communities we serve. I really could not be prouder to have been a part of our journey.’
In particular Ofsted recognised the partnership working, frequent engagement and close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders to understand the immediate skills needs locally, as well as emerging priorities. The frequent visits from employers, universities, and apprenticeship providers to deliver working lunches and breakfast meetings, was recognised as raising awareness of future education, employment, and apprenticeship opportunities for our students, often in sectors they may not have previously considered. This vital wider engagement was also recognised as contributing to the development of the curriculum taught in order to meet the skills needs at local, regional, and national levels.
Alex Baxter, Chair of the Corporation, added, "I am absolutely delighted. The Ofsted Outstanding Award reaffirms the excellent work being carried out by staff and students. Franklin is at the heart of the community, and the dedication, teamwork, and exceptional standards being set at Franklin have been recognised by this inspection."
Franklin Sixth Form College, Ofsted Outstanding Inspection report
