Ofsted result key milestone in College’s continued journey to excellence

Students and staff at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) are delighted that Ofsted have recognised them as outstanding in their recent inspection.

Highlights from the report include how learners and apprentices make rapid progress, the exceptional relationships between learners and staff, the positive and polite nature of BSDC learners and the College’s leading-edge, industry standard facilities. The College was also praised for having a significant impact in meeting local industry skills needs.

Speaking of the inspection result, Dawn Ward CBE DL, Chief Executive of the College said:

“We are delighted that the hard work, passion, dedication and commitment of all college staff to serve our learners and industry partners has been recognised in this result. However, we are very conscious that it’s at a point in time. We are therefore focused on continuing to serve our communities and working hand in hand with our industry, education and voluntary partners to nurture the talent of the future.”

The College was rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas which include quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

The College, which has a campus in Burton Upon Trent and Swadlincote South Derbyshire is a general further education provider offering a wide range of programmes, from foundation level through to higher education, including T-Levels and apprenticeships. It serves around 4000 learners annually, of which 2000 are on full-time study programmes.

Recently, the College has recently benefited from over £5 million investment from the Stronger Towns and Local Skills Improvement Funds which has seen the revitalisation of its facilities to include upgraded Games Development Studios, Cyber Security Lab, Mechatronics Lab, Health Simulation Suite, Biome (creative hybrid space), Virtual Reality Experience Centre, Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Electric Vehicle Cars, Advance Motor Vehicle technology and an Immersive Learning Suite.

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:

“It’s fantastic news that Burton & South Derbyshire College has been recognised by Ofsted as being outstanding in all areas. It is a testament to the high teaching standards across the college and the commitment and hard work of the staff and students.

“This is not only benefits learners undertaking courses, but the wider community – including local schools, employers and partners like ourselves at the county council. Increasing and developing the skills of the local population is certainly a shared priority. We now have two out of four college groups in the county rated as Outstanding with the others rated as Good, demonstrating what a great place Staffordshire is to study as a further education student.”