Ofsted Report 2020

We are delighted to announce that in January 2020, following a short inspection of the college in December 2019, Ofsted’s judgement is that Long Road Sixth Form College continues to be a good provider.

I am so pleased with this inspection outcome as it continues Long Road's unbroken record of positive Ofsted judgements and truly reflects the real commitment and care of our talented staff team, college governors and our hard-working, impressive students.

yolanda botham - principal

Long Road is recognised as a college that prepares students for academic success and for exciting, diverse futures. Inspectors praised the value of our inclusive, rich curriculum, the quality of our teaching and learning and our exceptional student support. Ofsted were impressed by the quality of student work, their resilience and ambition.

Our specialist teachers, employer-led projects, industry mentors and extensive enrichment opportunities all enable our students to develop the expertise and skills they need to progress and thrive...

"Teachers prepare students effectively to cope with higher-level study, an apprenticeship or employment. As a result, students are resilient and focused on achieving their goals. Students successfully move on to high-level apprenticeships, including in chemical or aerospace engineering and accountancy. Most students choose to study at university. They complete their courses and gain high-grade degrees."

We know we aim to support every student as an individual, so it was particularly pleasing that inspectors highlighted the excellent care and support provided by teachers, learning assistants and progress coaches...

"Teachers and learning assistants support students who have high needs very effectively… This helps them make good progress with their work."

"Progress coaches provide students with very good support. For example, they help students to improve the quality of their written work. As a result, students improve their confidence and develop appropriate professional behaviours."

"Students are well-behaved and respectful to each other and to staff."

We have read the Ofsted report with care and will reflect on what we need to do to develop further. We are proud of what we have achieved since our last inspection, and we are ready for the next challenge, as Ofsted says:

"leaders and managers closely monitor the effectiveness of teaching and learning strategies." 

We certainly do, and our next goal is to be judged outstanding.