'We're so delighted!' Sandwell Colleges celebrates 'strong' Ofsted report in most recent inspection

The new system breaks the inspector's report into five ratings: Exceptional, Strong Standard, Expected Standard, Needs Attention and Urgent Improvement.

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Sandwell Colleges, made up of three colleges and several campuses across West Bromwich and Birmingham, became one of the first FE colleges in England to be inspected under the new 'scorecard' framework system launched in November last year.

Now staff are celebrating after earning two 'Strong' judgements in the new category of Inclusion, leadership and governance, and contribution to meeting skills needs.

The report describes learners at the colleges studying in a 'welcoming, safe and respectful' environment, with teachers who are 'well qualified' and teach 'well-planned and structured lessons'.

It added that leaders have significantly invested in the inclusion strategy, underpinned by an 'ethos of ambition and nurturing'.

Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and principal, said: "We are thrilled with our report and the recognition of our important work on skills and inclusion.

"We are always ambitious for our learners and our Strategy 'Your Future, Our Focus', is all about progression to their next stage. 

"We continue to go from strength to strength with good achievement and progression, and a great ethos embracing learning, diversity and wellbeing."

The report also showed that the group met 'expected standards' in the areas of education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes, its offer of apprenticeships, and provision for young learners with high needs.

Ms Capper added: "We are so proud of our colleagues who are described as leading by example, celebrating culture and community and ensuring bespoke support for our learners. 

"Heartfelt thanks go to our fantastic learners, too, and to all of our stakeholders who, through ourpowerful partnerships, help deliver our important vision."

Deputy principal Asa Gordon added: "Inspectors have recognised that our A Level students enjoy a supportive adult environment, are ambitious, and have a very high proportion going on to university, many being the first to attend in their family."

Sandwell Colleges caters to more than 10,000 learners, and is comprised of Sandwell College, Central Saint Michael's Sixth Form in West Bromwich, and Cadbury Sixth Form College in Birmingham.