Hereford Sixth Form College has been rated as outstanding, in a visit by Ofsted that took place from 24th to 27th January this year.
The report said:
“Hereford Sixth Form College is a 16 to 19 academy based in Hereford. It opened in 1973 and became a single academy trust in 2016. Then, it established the Heart of Mercia Trust, a multi-academy trust, with Worcester Sixth Form College in 2019. King Edward VI College, Stourbridge joined the Trust in February 2021.
“During the inspection, 2097 students were studying on education programmes for young people.
“This included five students in receipt of high-needs funding. Most students were studying academic and vocational courses at level 3. A smaller cohort were studying on level 2 programmes, including vocational and GCSE courses.
“Students can choose to study from 32 A-level subjects and 16 vocational subjects.
“The courses with the largest number of students are in science, mathematics, psychology, sociology and criminology.
“At level 2, students can choose to study from seven GCSE subjects and six vocational subjects.
“Staff have high expectations of students in terms of their behaviour and attitudes to learning.
“In response, students behave exceptionally well and show high levels of respect and support towards each other. Students’ attendance is extremely high in almost all cases, despite significant transport issues in the area. Students show a high level of commitment to learning, their college and their community.
“Students benefit from an inclusive, supportive and nurturing environment at the college. They respond positively to the mature learning environment created by staff and develop as confident individuals.
“Students appreciate the help and support that they receive from staff and how this supports them to develop academically and personally throughout their studies.
“Students benefit from an extensive enrichment programme, on which participation is high.
“The opportunities offered, including within the college’s own theatre company, choirs, bands, and interest groups, cover a wide range of students’ interests. Students design and lead on developing several special interest groups, such as the Latin club and a vet society for those students who aspire to become veterinary surgeons.
“These clubs also support those students who need additional support in developing social skills and friendships.
“Students feel safe at college. They are aware of local risks and of how to keep themselves safe. Leaders ensure that the culture of trust and respect at the college means that students are confident in supporting each other. They also have the confidence to ask for help from college staff when needed.
“The large majority of students can talk confidently about building mature relationships, the risks of drug and alcohol abuse and the importance of being mentally fit.”
Full report – https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/46/143929
