West Thames College is thrilled to announce that it has received an Outstanding rating in its latest Ofsted inspection, carried out in December 2024. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the College's Journey to Outstanding in further education and skills.
The Ofsted inspection team rated the College as Outstanding overall as well as in 7 of the 8 key judgements, with the 8th area rated as Good. The College was graded as Outstanding in: the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes, provision for learners with high needs and rated Good for apprenticeships. In addition, our contribution to meeting skills needs was rated as strong.
Tracy Aust, CEO & Principal:
“I am absolutely delighted that we’ve achieved this Outstanding grade. This is a true testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our amazing students, staff, governors and partners and it was fantastic that Ofsted was able to witness this first hand. We’ve been on a Journey to Outstanding but this is by no means the end. We will continue to put our students first, to be ambitious, to have high expectations and to serve the needs of our communities. I am incredibly proud of the diverse, inclusive, successful College that is West Thames.”
Stuart McGeoch, Chair of Governors:
“Categorisation as Outstanding by Ofsted is a well-deserved reward for three years of really hard work by the staff, management and Board of West Thames. In that time period, the overriding mantra at every stage has been to focus on the creation of an outstanding student experience and the comments of the Ofsted inspectors make clear that is exactly what has been achieved. We look forward to maintaining that in coming years and building on it as we continue to develop our contribution to the local skills environment in West London."
Here are just some of the highlights from the report:
What it’s like to be a learner at West Thames College
Ofsted highlighted the college’s positive environment, noting that learners “enjoy learning and socialising in highly inclusive, calm and welcoming environments at both campuses.” The report also praised the behaviour of students, stating they “behave impeccably” and interact with respect and harmony.
Young learners benefit from “a broad and challenging curriculum” which is complemented by strong employer partnerships. For instance, learners on animation courses have the opportunity to “work on projects set by employers”, engaging in hands-on experiences like visits to museums and theatres to enhance their designs, and learners on Aviation courses, “visit Heathrow airport, which helps them understand the varied career opportunities available and the complex logistics involved behind the scenes.”
The report also recognised the transformative impact of the college on adult learners, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Inspectors noted that adult learners “thrive” at the college, describing their experience as “life changing.” They benefit from a “highly relevant curriculum that equips them with the skills they need to progress in their careers and lives.” For our apprentice provision, inspectors saw that apprentices gain “relevant substantial new knowledge” and “benefit from external sector experts who teach highly technical elements of the curriculum.”
The College’s provision for learners with high needs was another standout feature of the report. Inspectors praised the “excellent support” provided to these learners, highlighting that they are equipped with “skills they need”, they have “extensive opportunities to develop their independence, employability and life skills” and are “fully included in college life.” “Learners and apprentices are enthusiastic about their learning, highly motivated and ambitious to do well.” They feel safe and secure at the college.
Contribution to Meeting Skills
The report commended the College for its strong contribution to meeting regional and national skills needs. Inspectors noted that leaders and managers “have a strong commitment to meeting skills needs” and are “proactive and respected partners who play a lead role in the local borough and across west London.” “The well -established, strong strategic partnerships” are used very well to “align the content of the curriculums closely to the regional and national skills needs” and are co-designed with employers through “effective employer advisory boards”, for example in logistics, in healthcare and sport.
What we do well
Leadership and governance were highlighted as key strengths, with the report emphasising the high expectations and focus on continuous improvement by leaders, managers and governors. Inspectors observed that “leaders and managers have high expectations of learners and apprentices. They are ambitious for them to do well.” They commented on the “relentless focus on quality improvement which permeates through all levels of staff” and as result, there is a consistent approach to high-quality teaching and assessment, culminating in “consistently high achievement rates” and positive destinations.
Staff well-being is also a priority at West Thames College, with inspectors noting the attention to “development, wellbeing and support for staff”, which staff “appreciate” and are “proud to work at the college.”
The curriculum offered is “ambitious” and challenging. Courses and lessons are skilfully planned and sequenced “and teachers and assessors have expert subject knowledge and excellent teaching skills.” There is strong collaboration with local authorities for high needs students and “teachers and staff use EHCPs diligently” and “learners develop their independence and self- efficacy extremely well.” CIAG was described as “highly effective” and there are “well planned tutorials in place.” “Safeguarding is effective.”
What’s next?
This achievement reflects our Journey to Outstanding which we’ve been on since our 2021 Inspection where we were rated as “Good”. Throughout this period, we have maintained our focus on providing an outstanding student experience for each and every one of our students. This Outstanding rating, reaffirms our position as a leading provider of further education and skills in London. We remain absolutely committed to continue to be “Outstanding”, empowering our current and future students, equipping them with the skills they need whilst meeting the evolving needs of our communities, our partners and the businesses we serve.
For more information about this Ofsted report, visit www.west-thames.ac.uk/ofsted.
