New College Bradford

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 September 2023

Students benefit from a highly ambitious curriculum. They make rapid progress from their starting points in developing the knowledge and skills that they need to achieve at a high level. Teachers carefully design programmes to give students the specialist knowledge that they need for success, coupled with the skills to be independent and resourceful learners. Students, many of whom are from areas of high social disadvantage and from families with no prior experience of university, are well prepared by teachers for progression to higher education. A very high proportion of students go on to university destinations, and most of the rest progress to high-level apprenticeships or employment. In a few subjects, the proportion of students who remain on their programme is below the high rate across most courses. Managers provide good support for students who decide that their course is not the right one for them, enabling most to transfer quickly and successfully to other courses, either at the college or elsewhere. Students are highly respectful of each other, their staff and visitors. They respond very positively to the high expectations of attendance and behaviour that staff set. Students attend well, and the vast majority are punctual to classes. Behaviour, both inside and outside of classes, is exemplary. Students understand that negative behaviour has a wider impact on the college community and hinders them from focusing on their studies. Students benefit from the availability of a broad range of high-quality and interesting activities that extend beyond the academic curriculum. Staff plan activities that provide students with the opportunity to develop their interests and skills, and broaden their horizons. Students studying on sports programmes speak positively about the opportunities to travel to Italy and Malta to develop football coaching experience. On health and social care courses, students participate in community projects in Thailand and Cambodia. Students feel very safe in the college. Staff have fostered a calm, safe and inclusive environment where students can focus on learning. They develop students' understanding of the potential risks in their communities, such as gang culture, knife crime, child sexual exploitation and forced marriages. Students are very clear about how to report any concerns should they arise. They have considerable trust and confidence in staff to address any issues quickly.

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