Long Road Sixth Form College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 January 2025

Students behave exceptionally well and demonstrate high levels of mutual respect and tolerance. They value their differences and feel very safe at the college. Students attend well. They concentrate in lessons and have a mature approach to their studies. They benefit from teachers who are quick to intervene to provide effective support when they need it and who prepare them extremely well for their examinations. Most students achieve their qualifications, many on A-level courses at grade B or higher and on vocational courses at merit or distinction grades. Students benefit from a well-planned careers programme. Those planning on going to university receive good support with the application process. Those intending to go into employment or further training are well served by careers fairs and visits to apprenticeship providers. Students feel prepared for their next step, and most move on to their first-choice destination. Teachers support students to develop their resilience and confidence rapidly. Students benefit from the college VESPA (vision, effort, systems, practise and attitude) programme, which supports them to become more independent and take greater responsibility for their own progress. Students with high needs have a seamless transition to college from their previous school. Teachers understand their particular needs extremely well and provide both the support and challenge they need. Students with high needs make excellent progress from their starting points and achieve exceptionally well, often even better than their peers.

What the school should improve

• Support those small minority of subjects where teaching is not consistently to a high standard to improve rapidly so that all students make at least expected progress from their starting points.
• Increase the proportion of students who participate in the activities available to them outside their timetabled classes.
• Provide ongoing and improved training to students so that they develop a more thorough understanding of the dangers of radicalisation and extremism and a better awareness of how to keep themselves safe from local risks.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)