Ofsted

Good in all areas

In October 2024, The Bedford College Group was inspected by Ofsted. Below are summarised points and the full report is also available to download.

• The Bedford College Group has been graded as Good across all areas inspected and for Overall effectiveness.
• Learners and apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours that they need to be successful in their future careers. They enjoy their learning and produce work of a good standard.
• Teaching staff are recruited who are well qualified and have suitable industry experience that they use well to enhance curriculum content, this provides learners with valuable and contemporary real-world examples.
• Teaching staff and assistants have a secure understanding of learners’ education and health care plans and use these plans to promote effective learning.
• Staff benefit from well-being services that help them to maintain a positive work-life balance.
• Senior leaders and managers have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the quality of education.
• Senior staff engage effectively with local, regional and national employers and stakeholders to identify priority skills needs.
• Leaders collaborate with stakeholders to understand the need to develop routes into employment for learners who are the furthest away from education and training.
• Civic stakeholders view the college as a trusted organisation, which is keen to respond to the needs of its communities.
• New processes were effectively being embedded to ensure learners and apprentices remain safe.
• Governors are committed to their roles and have a realistic understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the college group.