East Kent College Group awarded Ofsted Outstanding
Posted on 11 May 2023The East Kent College (EKC) Group, which includes Ashford College, has been graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted following its inspection in March, with the education watchdog giving the Group top marks in every single category.
Between the 7 and 10 March, Ofsted sent 18 inspectors to assess the Group’s provision, meeting with staff, students and stakeholders the Group works with. Overall, the report found that: “leaders have excellent knowledge of the local economy and review their course offer to respond quickly to employers’ new and developing needs such as green technology and digital skills” and that “the college makes a strong contribution to meeting skills needs.”
Despite the Group’s rapid expansion since the last inspection, standards have increased from its previous ‘Good’ rating awarded in 2017. The ‘Outstanding’ status comes after a successful visit by Ofsted last year, which saw the Group’s latest acquisitions, which includes Ashford College, awarded the highest rating possible during a monitoring visit.
“This Ofsted rating is a momentous occasion for us as an organisation, and we are delighted that inspectors recognised the incredible work put in by staff and students.”
“To be deemed outstanding in all aspects highlights the excellent standard at which we operate, with everyone playing their part to provide top quality training and improve the socio-economic prosperity of the communities we serve.”
Graham Razey OBE , EKC Group Chief Executive Officer
During this latest inspection, not only did the Group receive an overall ‘Outstanding’ rating, but they achieved this rating in all categories including; The Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, Education Programmes for Young People, Adult Learning Programmes, Apprenticeships, Provision for Learners with High Needs and a ‘Strong’ judgement for Skills, making them the first General Further Education college to do so under the new enhanced inspection framework.
You can read the full report here
