St Luke's Celebrates a Marked Improvement
Staff and students at St Luke's Sixth Form College have welcomed their recent OfSTED inspection that has removed the college's notice to improve and highlighted many positive developments at the college.
"We are delighted with this report," says Principal Jim Flannery. "Staff have worked relentlessly to turn the college around and, together with our students, were determined to see a change. We have shown just what St Luke's is capable of."
"Thanks to the support of governors, parents, staff and students I am confident that the College will continue to go from strength to strength."
Inspectors gave the college a thorough assessment over a two day period earlier this month (16 - 17 May), during which time staff and students were interviewed and lessons observed. The final report is a positive reflection of the recent changes that the college has been through.
The inspectors highlighted -
- The college's new strong and tenacious leadership
- Significant improvement in the quality of teaching and learning
- Good communications with parents
- A well ordered environment
- The confidence that staff and students have in the changes for the better that have been introduced this year
- Signs of improvement in student grades
- An energetic change programme
Inspectors found that 'absolute priority' is given to student achievement and that the introduction of effective management systems mean that governors, staff and students at St Luke's feel that the new leadership has radically transformed the fortunes of the College.
Robust monitoring of students progress was found to have significantly raised standards in many subjects. Although the inspection has come too close to the previous inspection to be able to comment on examination performance, levels of course work confirm signs of progress, with some students showing improvement by nearly 50%. Attendance has also improved and is now well above average for sixth form colleges.
Inspectors praised teachers at the College that give their time freely on two late evening and Saturday mornings, offering support to students that need it, an initiative that students appreciate and speak highly of.
Mr Flannery recognises that this is just the beginning; "There are still areas where we have work to do. Our improvement programme is ongoing and we will be addressing all the points raised in the report. We will continue to strive to make St Luke's the best!"
