Fantastic Ofsted Result For South Thames Colleges Group
The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) awarded South Thames Colleges Group (STCG) ‘Good’ in February 2020. In seven out of eight areas of the Ofsted framework a ‘Good’ grade was achieved.
What Makes Us Good
“Leaders have successfully created an inclusive college where students and staff feel valued and welcome.”
“Students who travel across boroughs to attend one of the colleges do so because of the good reputation the colleges have.”
“Leaders are highly effective in engaging employers in curriculum development. They work closely with local authorities and local businesses to plan for future skills needs.”
“Students, apprentices and staff treat each other with respect at college and in the workplace.”
“Staff focus effectively on students’ personal development.”
“Governors, leaders and managers have created a strong culture of safeguarding within the college.”
“Students and apprentices feel safe at college and in their workplaces.”
What Ofsed Say About Our Preparing Our Learners For Their Next Step
“Students and apprentices have considerable exposure to employers in their chosen subjects, such as national construction companies, hotel groups and prestigious media companies.”
“Students and apprentices gain valuable insights into the demands and rewards of work through site visits and work experience.”
“Most students receive effective careers guidance to help them plan their next steps.”
“Teachers ensure that students and apprentices know how to conduct themselves in professional contexts and are well prepared for future employment.”
What Ofsted Say About Our Learners
“Students have a solid grasp of how to be safe, and how to be responsible citizens.”
“For most students, studying at the college is hard and rewarding work. Students thrive on the expectations that staff have of them.”
“Apprentices who attend college for training sessions appreciate the extra guidance and support they receive as a result of being part of a college community.”
“Students are proud of their achievements and are motivated to improve their skills and knowledge further.”
“Students appreciate the support that they receive from staff and most gain in confidence and resilience while at college.”
What Ofsted Say About Our Teaching
“Students at all campuses are taught by teachers who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable and who teach interesting lessons. As a result, students are captivated by what they learn and motivated to do their best.”
“Adult students on ESOL programmes feel more confident in their daily lives and more able to integrate into their communities.”
“Leaders have successfully provided facilities and resources that support high-quality teaching.”
“Teachers benefit from a comprehensive staff development programme.”
“Teachers across the colleges plan their teaching skilfully. They develop students’ knowledge and skills in a logical sequence so that they can confidently complete more complex activities.”
“Teachers use a range of challenging assessment activities to help students practise and reinforce their understanding of topics.”
“Teachers have high expectations of students to work hard."
Extracts from South Thames Colleges Group Ofsted Report, February 2020
What Next?
Look ahead to a great future at one of our Colleges: Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College.
“We are very pleased to see our recent inspection report published. It accurately celebrates the wonderful work done by our staff to make sure students thrive in our Group. The time since our merger has been really well used, raising standards and strengthening our common culture. We are very proud of the progress we have made and can face the future with great confidence.”
Peter Mayhew-Smith
Group Principal and CEO
South Thames Colleges Group
“We are delighted with the recent inspection report, which validates all the hard work and commitment of our staff and the decision making and leadership of the senior team. On behalf of all the Governors, I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone involved, including our students of course, who I understand were a real credit to the College Group throughout the inspection.”
Rob Foulston
Chair of Governors
South Thames Colleges Group
