A COLLEGE on the outskirts of York has been deemed good by inspectors.

Ofsted carried out a recent short inspection at Askham Bryan College, the first since it was judged to be good in December 2011.

The team found that the college has maintained it’s good overall standard and managers have ensured that most provision has continued to improve since the previous inspection, during a period when the college has grown substantially and learner numbers have more than doubled to 5,264 current students across its eight sites.

York Press:

The report lists the college’s impressive industry links, the specific knowledge and expertise of staff in working alongside employers and the support given to students are also highlighted.

The college now has to ensure that the quality of theory teaching is improved by ensuring that teachers provide sufficient challenge to the most-able learners, check learners’ understanding of the knowledge and concepts being taught and promote diversity and have the confidence to challenge negative stereotypes in lessons.

The college has learning centres across the North of England with its main campus at York, and specialises in land-based further and higher education. It offers courses from diploma level through to higher level qualifications including degrees, with student numbers across the college more than doubling since the last inspection in 2011.

Catherine Dixon, chief executive, said: “Given the significant growth in student numbers at the college over the last few years, we are delighted with Ofsted’s finding and being rated as ‘good’ at a time when many colleges are identified as needing to improve.

“The result is a testament to the dedication, expertise and hard work of our staff and the enthusiasm and commitment of our students.”

Askham Bryan College works with a broad range of industry partners including organisations such as the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust and Natural England.

Inspectors said: “As a result of the excellent industry partnerships, learners are able to explore their employment aspirations and gain real work experience in a variety of settings, thereby enhancing their social and communication skills.”