Student development at Hartlepool Sixth Form is outstanding

Leaders, staff and students at Hartlepool Sixth Form are celebrating after education watchdog Ofsted confirmed the college’s provision as ‘Good’ and its personal development of students is ‘Outstanding.’

The inspection team also were keen to point out that “students benefit from a calm and focussed environment in which they are encouraged to contribute their ideas and know that they will be listened to”.

Hartlepool Sixth Form is part of Education Partnership North East which includes a dynamic academic and technical group of sixth forms, specialist and further education college providers.

Ellen Thinnesen, Chief Executive of Hartlepool Sixth Form and Education Partnership North East, said: “At Hartlepool Sixth Form Ofsted inspected our academic and technical skills-based provision and reported that educational programmes respond effectively to national, regional and local priorities.

I am delighted Ofsted could see our students experience a culture of high expectations and that they develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for employment, further training and progression to higher education.

“While we’re delighted at the overall grade, and in particular what the inspectors said about teaching and student behaviours, we’re thrilled about the outstanding grade for the personal development of our students. Inspectors told us we are very close to becoming outstanding overall. With a further push over the next few years, I’m sure we will achieve this.”

Ofsted also reported: “Leaders are very knowledgeable about the needs and priorities of the localities of each of the colleges and provide programmes that contribute to meeting them. For example, they have developed courses in Hartlepool that respond to the key priorities there, including biologics, chemical, engineering, digital, and health, and this enables students to gain the knowledge and skills they need for careers in these areas.

“Leaders and managers have rigorous oversight of the quality of the provision [and] hold frequent meetings with managers and staff from each curriculum area to scrutinise and evaluate the quality of the provision”.

“Staff successfully support students to become respectful and responsible citizens [and they] are well qualified and experts in their field”. As an outcome “Students demonstrate positive attitudes to learning. They enjoy their lessons and take pride in their work [and] feel safe at college”.

Jane Reed Campus Principal at Hartlepool Sixth Form said added: “Hartlepool Sixth Form College plays an important role, and I would like to thank our employer partners, parents, staff and our students for all of their support.

“This Sixth Form has a special and unique character and culture. I’m thrilled Ofsted inspectors recognised this – and that outstanding personal development of our students ensures they successfully achieve their aspirations and goals.”