A COLLEGE has been rated "good" by the national education watchdog in a recent report.

Ofsted announced East Sussex College remains a "good provider" following an inspection at its campuses in Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, and Newhaven in late November.

The college has received the same rating since 2014 when it was upgraded from "requires improvement".

Inspectors found that it has achieved the rating in all areas, including: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes, apprenticeships, and provision for learners with high needs.

The official report praised the progress it has made since its previous monitoring visit, identifying the high expectations tutors have of all students and apprentices.

Inspectors considered the entire East Sussex College cohort, which, along with students studying academic and vocational programmes, included its adult students and apprentices as well.

Ofsted reported: “Students and apprentices respect and support each other in the classroom. They encourage each other during discussions and share ideas.

"This helps them to learn from each other and build their confidence and resilience.”

The inspectors considered what it is like to be a student with East Sussex College and found that students “benefit from a strong culture of mutual respect and tolerance that leaders, managers and staff have created.”

Adding: “Students and apprentices speak very positively of the support they receive from their teachers who, they say, ‘make you believe in yourself, because they believe in you’.”

Teaching staff were also praised for their planning, the report found: "Students benefit from an extensive range of well-planned courses which help them achieve their goals and move on to higher levels of learning at the college or to employment and independent living.

“Teachers are enthusiastic about their subjects and committed to their roles. They use their extensive knowledge, skills and experience effectively to inspire students and apprentices and help them to develop their knowledge and skills.”

Along with the student experience and quality of education, ESC was recognised as being a place where “students and apprentices feel safe”.

The inspection also outlined the college’s position in the communities in which it serves, saying: “They have developed and changed the curriculum offer appropriately to meet local needs successfully.”

Additionally: “Leaders have formed strong links with local and regional partners that help them understand and meet the needs of people in Sussex and beyond.”

Rebecca Conroy, CEO and Principal at East Sussex College, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the latest Ofsted report which confirms that we have achieved a ‘good’ grade and are good in all that we do.

"This is a huge credit to all staff and students for the high quality of their work and ambition.

"The report really highlights the high expectations that motivate students and apprentices to achieve their best. We are extremely pleased that our various strengths have been recognised.

“The report continues our positive growth and progressive aspirations into the 2021/22 academic year, which has seen us overcome challenges and secure our status as a leading further education [FE] provider for years to come.”

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