Priestley College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 November 2023

Students speak highly of the inclusive culture at Priestley College. They explain how they have a sense of pride studying at the college and enjoy being part of the Priestley community, where they feel cared for. Most students are polite and courteous and demonstrate high levels of respect for their teachers and their peers. However, a few students do not experience the same levels of respect from other students outside of the classroom. Students benefit from studying in a calm and respectful environment, where teachers have high expectations. Students are motivated to achieve, and they arrive to lessons prepared and ready to learn. When working in groups, they work collaboratively and contribute well to group discussions. Attendance is high. In the very few instances when students are absent, they are supported well to catch up. Students access a wide range of additional activities to support their ongoing development. They take part in the college council and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, and they learn British Sign Language and plan charity events. Dance students participate in local community performances and take part in dance workshops with leading choreographers. Students on the graduate programme develop their essay writing skills and benefit from a range of talks from guest speakers to support them with their applications to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities. Students develop their wider skills by completing the active citizenship and anti-bullying awards, and they complete a mental health first-aid course. Students use these skills to support their peers. Students benefit from a wide range of unbiased, impartial careers education, information, advice and guidance, which prepares them well for their next steps. Adult students learn how to write CVs and receive guidance on preparing for interviews. Young people benefit from drop-ins and individual support from highly qualified and experienced careers advisers. Students attend university and apprenticeship fairs and access an online portal that provides them with information on relevant progression events. As a result, most young people are well informed about their next steps and progress to positive destinations. Students feel safe and know who to contact if they have any concerns. Students are confident that they will be supported by staff and that concerns raised will be dealt with swiftly. Students learn about a range of topics such as sextortion, domestic abuse and the impact of coercive and controlling behaviour. They are aware of the support they can access both internal and external to the college.

What the school should improve

• Review the curriculum and the use of starting points for students on adult programmes.
• Improve the feedback in health and social care and functional skills mathematics so that students know what they need to do to improve their work and achieve their qualification.
• Improve the consistency of assessment to ensure that all students rectify misconceptions or gaps in learning so that they build on their previous learning.

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