One – ‘Outstanding’

That is the view of Ofsted following the recent Inspection on May 12^th & 13^th. Inspectors visited 48 lessons in a range of subjects across different levels of course accreditation. They met students, staff and governors and spoke with the local authority. They also analysed questionnaires completed by staff and of parents.

Some of the highlights from the report - that was officially released in June 2015 - stated the following:

Overall Effectiveness

Students make exceptional progress during their time at college and achieve outstanding results

Achievement of students

• Students achieve exceptionally well in academic and vocational courses
• Standards have risen since the last inspection
• Results in 2014 indicate that students make exceptional progress
• Subject completion and retention rates are high
• Student progression rates are high
• The college pays close attention to the needs and aspirations of vulnerable students

Quality of teaching

• The quality of teaching is outstanding
• Teaching is consistently good across college
• Teachers infectious enthusiasm generate high levels of commitment from students
• Students are exceptionally well prepared when it comes to assessments and exams
• Teachers plan and teach lessons exceptionally well

Behaviour and safety of students

• Relationships between students and with adults are remarkably harmonious
• Behaviour in social areas is exemplary during breaks and lunchtime and students are polite and considerate to one another and visitors
• Students are respectful of one another and show sensitivity to the needs of others
• Attitudes to learning are excellent
• The college works to keep students safe and secure is outstanding – m/f

Leadership and management

• Leaders and managers have been relentless in securing high achievement for all students
• The college has created an excellent environment for students, including those who might be daunted by its size. Students feel completely safe and fully supported.
• The college has worked hard to develop strong and productive links with employers and was cited by the Local Authority as being an exemplary example of employer engagement
• The promotion of students social and moral development is strong
• Governors share the ambition of senior leaders to secure the highest standard for students

Principal, Alan Whittaker, said, “One was set up with the aim of becoming an outstanding learning establishment for young people living in this region therefore we are thrilled to have been given the highest possible grade after our recent Ofsted inspection.”

“I would like to thank and congratulate students, their parents, staff, governors and our partners in the business and the local communities in helping us to secure such a fantastic outcome.”

“It is a privilege to work with such a professional team who are committed to helping our students achieve the best possible results and the amount of positive comments in the report acknowledges this.”

Suffolk One, chair of governors, the Venerable Ian Morgan, said, “The governing body is absolutely delighted by the Ofsted report. It has always been our clear focus that the outcomes for students should be absolutely at the top of our priorities – it is particularly pleasing that the Ofsted inspectors note this not just in the examination results but in the all-round experience students have at One which seeks to both be fully inclusive and caring for each individual student. Clearly this does not happen by accident and it is clear that all staff in whatever role they fulfil go far further than simple professionalism requires. The Governing Body offers its warmest thanks and congratulations to all students and staff for their commitment to continued improvement and the future development of One.”