Following an Ofsted inspection in March, the newly formed Bridgwater & Taunton College has been rated as Outstanding in five key areas, confirming the College as a leading skills and learning provider.

The Ofsted inspection reinforces the strength of the College which recently won a slew of National Awards such as the TES Apprenticeship Programme of the Year, a SEMTA Skills award, Electrical Apprentice of the Year and also celebrated student success with students being selected for Oxbridge and winning a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to study at Amherst College in Massachusetts, to name a few.

Derek Randall, Chairman of the Board of Governors commented,

We are delighted that Ofsted have recognised the strength of our learning provision and the focus our staff bring to support every learner at Bridgwater & Taunton College. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and Ofsted has highlighted this. We are tremendously proud of the entire College community, and look forward to the next phase of our journey together.

Andy Berry, College Principal and Chief Executive, added,

Our mission at Bridgwater & Taunton College is to transform the lives of our students and inspire our customers and communities to achieve success. We do this by delivering inspirational teaching, learning and skills development within a welcoming, safe, inclusive and supportive environment. I’m delighted that Ofsted recognised us as Good with Outstanding features, so soon after merger. They also highlighted our outstanding partnerships with employers and other partners that lead to excellent opportunities for our learners.

The Ofsted inspection recognised key strengths in leadership and management, personal development, behaviours and welfare, apprenticeships, adult learning and high needs provision.

This is the first Ofsted rating for Bridgwater & Taunton College since Bridgwater College and Somerset College merged in 2016. Leaders were congratulated for how well the merger was managed and the clear vision, common culture and strong ethos across all College campuses.

The full report can be found here.