Salisbury Sixth Form College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 September 2022

Learners work positively in a learning environment that fosters mutual respect between all who attend the college. Learners conduct themselves appropriately in lessons and in the shared spaces around the college. However, too often, in a minority of subjects, learners arrive late to their lessons and so learning opportunities are missed. Leaders have created curriculums that meet the specific needs of the local area that the college serves. For example, learners can study a combination of A-level and vocational subjects, while also retaking a GCSE qualification in English or mathematics. Learners demonstrate positive attitudes towards their study programme and are committed to achieving well. Most learners take part in activities on a weekly basis that help them to extend their talents. For example, learners enjoy clubs such as those for drama and netball. Learners are supported effectively by their teachers. The positive relationships created between the learners and the college staff help learners to do well in the subjects that they study. They are motivated because they understand the link between the skills and behaviours they are taught in the classroom and how these are highly relevant to their future careers.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that all learners receive an ambitious curriculum, so that they raise learners' aspirations through high-quality learning opportunities, such as using work-related activity more meaningfully.
• Leaders need to identify and rectify ineffective teaching, and resolve the adverse effect that staff absence has on learners more swiftly, so that all learners benefit from high-quality teaching of the curriculum.
• Managers should ensure that there is a stronger focus on improving learner punctuality to lessons, so that they are giving learners the greatest possible opportunity to achieve positive outcomes.

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