Richard Huish College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

Learners on study programmes achieve their qualifications very well at all levels. They develop significant new knowledge and skills in each of their subjects and develop broader personal skills through the rich experiences available to them. They perform very well in their examinations, with many learners achieving A* to B grades in A levels and distinction grades in vocational qualifications. Learners on study programmes enjoy their learning greatly. They are taught very well by enthusiastic and motivated teachers who are experts in the subjects that they teach. Learners develop impressive independent study skills. Teachers set learners meaningful directed study activities, and tutors teach learners study skills, such as time management and revision techniques, very well. Learners on study programmes take part in a wide variety of enrichment activities that develop their wider interests and talents and contribute to increased confidence and resilience. These include a range of clubs and societies, many that are devised and led by learners, catering for the diverse interests, talents and aspirations of the learner community. Learners thrive in the friendly and welcoming college environment. Learners on study programmes are taught many useful topics by tutors who understand the variety of challenges faced by young people. Learners gain the knowledge that they need to stay safe in their communities and contribute positively to society. Learners with high needs are taught alongside their peers, following the same programmes of study. They experience the same, consistently high-quality teaching, and receive additional targeted support to meet their individual needs. Learners with high needs receive well-coordinated support from teachers, tutors and learning support officers, who get to know them well. They make significant progress towards achieving the outcomes in their education, health and care plans and are prepared well for their next steps. Adult learners mostly study qualifications that help them become more effective in their employment in the care sector. They are well motivated and gain a greater knowledge of legislation and apply this in their work. Learners increase their knowledge of clients’ medical needs and use this knowledge to adapt their communication skills effectively. They increase their confidence at work significantly. Apprentices receive well-coordinated on-and-off-the-job training. This enables them to put new learning into practice in their workplaces. Apprentices are taught well by knowledgeable teachers. Employers provide apprentices with suitable experiences to develop their confidence in a wide range of relevant skills. Too many apprentices do not achieve their apprenticeship. Leaders have recently made improvements to how they support apprentices to prepare for their assessments.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure the actions that they have taken have a sustained impact on improving the quality of all apprenticeships and increasing the proportion of apprentices who stay and pass their apprenticeship.
• Leaders should provide learners on level 2 study programmes with experience of a wide range of work-related activities and workplace settings so that they develop relevant employability skills.
• Leaders should provide apprentices with high-quality careers education throughout their apprenticeships so apprentices develop detailed knowledge of all potential future pathways.
• Leaders should ensure that adult learners have opportunities to extend their vocational learning significantly from their starting points.
• Leaders should provide adult learners and apprentices with relevant wider personal development opportunities beyond the requirements of their qualifications.

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