Plumpton College receives some ‘outstanding’ inspection results

The college is the leading provider for land and environment training and education for the South East, with over 19 specialist subjects including agriculture, animal and veterinary sciences, horticulture, and viticulture.

Highlights of the OFSTED report include:

The learning culture – inspectors noted the students flourish in a positive and inclusive culture at the college and celebrate one another’s differences and enjoy learning in a diverse environment. Inspectors also found that students value the purposeful and professional working environment at the college, which replicates the industries they wish to progress into. All students therefore have very positive attitudes to learning, they enjoy their studies and are motivated to be successful. The majority of students progress to positive destinations.

Adult education provision – achieved an ‘Outstanding’ grade highlighting that leaders and managers have developed a highly relevant range of adult education programmes with the aim of teaching people, who are out of work or retraining, the skills they need for employment. For example, students swiftly learn the required skills in forestry and arboriculture to gain the licences to practise in the industry. The Royal Horticulture Society adult provision prepares students well for entry into employment, addressing skills gaps within the horticulture sector. Adult students progress exceptionally well on to higher level qualifications, employment or self-employment in their chosen sector.

Apprenticeship provision – achieved an ‘Outstanding’ grade, pointing out that employers value the extensive knowledge and expert skills that apprentices learn while at college. As a result, apprentices make excellent progress, are highly motivated and the majority achieve their apprenticeship, many with high grades. They become more confident and make a very positive contribution to their workplaces.

Personal development – achieved an ‘Outstanding’ grade highlighting that students benefit from an outstanding personal development curriculum. Leaders and staff provide students with a wide range of activities and opportunities that develop their interests and talents. Students benefit from enrichment activities and additional qualifications that are of exceptional quality.

Provision for learners with high needs – achieved an ‘Outstanding’ grade highlighting that managers and teachers implement highly effective teaching strategies and tailored support to make sure students reach their full potential. Students with high needs make excellent progress towards their planned outcomes.

The college, which also boasts on-campus accommodation for up to 200 of its 4,000 students, was inspected last May under the social care common inspection framework and was graded Outstanding in all areas for its residential provision.

For more information about courses available, visit the Plumpton College website.

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