College Achievements
Outstanding OFSTED results place Newcastle College as one of the top performing FE college in the UK.
Newcastle College as been graded as Outstanding by Ofsted since 2004.
Our 2008 Ofsted inspection placed Newcastle College among the top colleges in the UK. The college was praised for its ‘outstanding’ student guidance and support; effective teaching, training and learning, providing programmes and activities to meet the needs and interests of learners and its successful implementation of Every Child Matters for children and young people.
The inspectors also noted the college’s empowering culture that raises aspirations of learner’s, staff and key stakeholders, its exceptionally well managed merger with Skelmersdale and Ormskirk College, its high success rates and its exceptional and innovative employer engagement.
The college’s management and leadership were also considered ‘outstanding’ as was the Principal’s vision. Jackie Fisher, Principal and Chief Executive at Newcastle College said: “This is a momentous occasion in the college’s history. These results are testimony to the effort and commitment shown by everyone at the college. “Crucially, our hard work is paying off in high retention and pass rates amongst students and a reputation for excellence in all areas.”
Jamie Martin, Chair of Governors at Newcastle College added : “We are immensely proud of all the staff at Newcastle College. This is a fantastic achievement for everybody connected with the college – for our learners and parents, staff, employers and stakeholders.”
Business representatives and students were also interviewed as part of the inspection and further endorsed the inspector’s judgements. In particular, students highlighted their friendly and supportive relations with teachers; the welcoming and safe learning environment, good tutorial support and range of specialist and general resources available at the college.
The groups’ success follows a string of accolades over recent years including Beacon status, North East Company of the Year 2005, three Association of Colleges Beacon Awards and most recently the Training Quality Standard which recognises and accredits those organisations which can demonstrate excellence in delivering training solutions to employers.
Newcastle College is awarded Learning and Skills Beacon Status
Following its 'outstanding' (Grade 1) Ofsted inspection, the prestigious Learning and Skills Beacon Status award celebrates learning providers that deliver outstanding teaching and learning and are well led and managed.
Learning and Skills Beacon Status is awarded by Ministers and application is by invitation only. The College's application was approved by Dr. Kim Howells, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education.
As a Learning and Skills Beacon Status college, it will now be regarded across the education sector as a model of excellence and will be required to actively support the drive to improve standards by sharing good practice with other colleges. The DfES will now fund the college to undertake innovative projects in key areas identified by itself and the LSC as priorities for reforming the sector.
Matrix Award
The College's Student Services department holds the Matrix Award. Matrix is a national quality standard for organisations delivering information, advice and guidance services about learning and work. Student Services demonstrated how they work to continually improve service delivery. The team was particularly praised for its highly motivated staff and commitment to equal opportunities.
Beacon Award for outstanding ESOL Provision
Launched in 1994 by the Association of Colleges (AoC) and sponsored by the Basic Skills Agency, the annual national Beacon Award recognises and rewards outstanding teaching and learning, which enhances and enriches the experience of learners.