2024 Full Inspection ReportWhat does the provider do well and what does it need to do better?Leaders are ambitious for all students, including those in receipt of high needs funding. They use their close understanding of skills needs to provide ambitious programmes of learning that give students the academic, technical and life skills they need to move on to positive destinations successfully. For example, A-level business teachers work with employers to develop students’ negotiation and time management skills and enhance their personal resilience. Students quickly acquire the skills and knowledge valued in the workplace and higher education and are prepared well for the future. Consequently, a high proportion of students move on to their intended next steps in learning or work successfully. Teachers plan students’ learning with exceptional care. They think deeply about what students need to learn and the most effective order in which to teach it. They ensure students have a secure understanding of fundamental knowledge and skills before introducing increasingly complex and demanding concepts. Teachers frequently establish links between current and previous learning, enabling students to understand important ideas swiftly. Accordingly, students become increasingly confident and fluent in their recall and application of the knowledge and skills they acquire. For instance, T-level health students apply previous learning about the digestive system when discussing illnesses. Teachers working with students with high needs revisit key topics regularly, ensuring that students understand and retain essential learning. As a result, a very high proportion of students who complete their programme pass their qualifications well. Teachers apply their expertise skilfully to inspire and motivate students very effectively. They often provide students with projects devised by employers that bring learning to life. For instance, level 3 vocational creative media practice students complete a project designed by the fire service to raise young peoples’ awareness of road safety. Accordingly, students deepen their understanding and appreciate the relevance of their learning to the workplace. Teachers use a wide range of teaching techniques adeptly. They explain topics clearly and initiate interesting and challenging debates in class. They make excellent use of the high-quality, industry-standard resources that are closely aligned to the curriculum. These resources enable students to practise and consolidate their skills in realistic workplace settings. For instance, T-level health students work in a replica hospital ward, practising and refining their technique on electronic, simulated patients. Consequently, students can apply their skills and knowledge in relevant real-life situations. Most teachers check students’ understanding carefully, identifying any misconceptions and taking swift action to close gaps in students’ knowledge. Teachers also provide students with feedback that helps them understand what they are doing well and what they need to do to improve. For instance, GCSE mathematics teachers check students’ recall of previous learning at the beginning of lessons and provide feedback that helps students maximise their marks in examinations. Teachers work closely with teaching assistants to provide students with high needs with feedback that enhances their work, including their written English. As a result, the standard of students’ work is high and improves over time. Leaders select the small number of adult learning programmes they offer carefully, aligning them with community needs closely. They work with partners such as Job Centre Plus to identify and resolve adult skills needs. For instance, leaders provide programmes such as English, mathematical and interpersonal skills for adults seeking to progress in the workplace. Teachers are sensitive to the needs of adult students returning to learning. They plan students’ learning sensibly and help them acquire new, substantial knowledge very effectively. Accordingly, most adult students pass their qualifications well. However, too many adult students are not aware of the wider support services, such as counselling and the gym, that the college provides. Staff have a detailed understanding of the requirements of students with high needs. They put in place support, including assistive technology, that enables high needs students to fully participate in learning and college life. Leaders coordinate therapeutic services very effectively to provide high needs students with the specialist support they require. Staff work closely with employers to provide helpful work placements that are closely aligned to students with high needs goals. This enables these students to practise and consolidate the substantial skills and knowledge they learn in lessons in the workplace. As a result, high needs students make very good progress while at college. Their reliance on others reduces over time and they acquire increasing independence that prepares them well for life after college. Staff provide learners with plentiful opportunities to broaden their wider skills and knowledge that prepare them well for life in modern Britain. Progress tutors lead well-planned, comprehensive tutorials that develop students’ understanding of relevant and important topics such as equality, diversity and inclusion, fundamental British values and what constitutes healthy, appropriate relationships. Teachers often revisit these themes during lessons and engaging displays around the college help consolidate students’ retention of essential information. Accordingly, students, including those with high needs, quickly gain the confidence, values and attitudes to contribute positively to society. Leaders know the strengths and weaknesses of the provision and monitor its performance closely. Where they identify an issue, they take swift and decisive action that leads to improvement. They rightly recognised that too many students were not completing their programme successfully. To address this, they implemented a number of sensible actions which are ensuring significantly more students are now retained on their programme. As a result, the quality of the provision is consistently high, and the issues identified by inspectors at the previous inspection have been addressed. Leaders use their detailed knowledge of the provision to provide helpful development activities that enhance teachers’ subject and teaching practice very effectively. For instance, teachers work with colleagues to share their expertise in highly targeted and effective ways. For example, science teachers shared their knowledge of using online polling software to gauge students’ opinions with colleagues in English. As a result, the standard of teaching is consistently high across the college. Governors have relevant expertise and knowledge that they employ skilfully when working with senior staff to set the strategic direction of the college and oversee its operations. Leaders provide governors with ample information that significantly aids their decision making and helps them support and challenge leaders effectively. For instance, governors questioned leaders regarding student attendance, especially in crucial subjects such as GCSE English. Consequently, leaders’ actions have resulted in improved attendance at lessons, including GCSE English. Governors are often linked to activities such as safeguarding and supporting students with SEND, helping governors to maintain awareness of these important areas. Consequently, governors ensure that the college meets its legal responsibilities and continues to develop and improve. 2010 Full Inspection ReportWhat does Bexhill College need to do to improve further?
2007 Full Inspection ReportAreas for improvementThe college should address:
2002 Full Inspection ReportWhat should be improved
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