Ofsted commends Knowsley Community College

Knowsley Community College is celebrating after receiving its latest Ofsted inspection report and becoming one of the most rapidly improving colleges in the UK.
As a result of the assessment, Knowsley Community College has now been awarded Grade 2 for ‘overall effectiveness’ and commended in all subject areas inspected.
The result represents an extraordinary turnaround in performance for the College following an inadequate Ofsted report rating just 14 months ago.
Steve Logan, Principal of Knowsley Community College who was appointed shortly before the previous low-rated inspection in 2012, said: “The findings of the latest Ofsted inspection are almost unprecedented both for Knowsley Community College and moreover within Ofsted monitoring reports.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard as a dedicated team and are very pleased with our progress. Our students have shown a great attitude and a strong commitment too and have achieved equally high levels of success.”
He continued: “I think the results are all the more impressive since the introduction of more rigorous, ‘no notice’ Ofsted inspections.
“That said, our aim now is to continue our rapid rate of improvement and fulfil our objectives as set out since the previous Ofsted report in February 2012.
“That is to become a consistently performing, outstanding college. In this regard, the key elements are to continually improve our teaching, learning and assessment.”
Teaching, Learning and Assessment outcomes for Learners, Leadership and Management were all graded ‘Good’ with the report praising college leaders and governors for taking swift and successful actions to remedy weaknesses reported at the last inspection and raising the expectations and aspirations of both staff and students.
All curriculum areas were inspected with engineering, sport, public services, English, mathematics, business, administration and law all given grade 2 (Good) rankings. All areas were also praised for the high quality of teaching and learning and support provided for students.
Mr Logan concluded: “Overall, the details and findings of the Ofsted report reflect the strong emphasis we have placed on setting high standards for all and promoting a ‘no excuses’ culture at Knowsley Community College.
“In addition, we have already received further glowing feedback from employers in light of the report’s findings. The expectations of employers are reflected in our approach to learning in line with our brand ethos, ‘Careers not Courses’.
Sheena Ramsey, Chief Executive of Knowsley Council who work closely with the College said: “This is great news for Knowsley Community College. I hope they can continue to build on this success to provide excellent education to students in the borough in the coming years.”