Barnfield heading in the right direction says schools watchdog

The report highlights positive aspects as well as the improvements required to propel it into higher grading ground.

Previously without any, the provider has now been recognised as having a number of key strengths:

> Teachers/assessors using industry knowledge and expertise so students and apprentices develop good practical skills

 > Significant improvement in the behaviour of students and apprentices who are now highly respectful of each other and staff

> Recruitment of managers and teachers with the appropriate expertise to improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment

> Effective performance management of staff with prompt action to support or challenge

Of the process, Ofsted Inspectors praised staff for their ‘openness and candour’.

Principal, Tim Eyton-Jones, said ‘It is encouraging that the intense work of the past 12 months has been officially recognised, confirming the transformational journey the College is on towards reclaiming its former success and becoming outstanding.

“However, there is more to be done and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the upward trajectory is sustained and further positive changes are implemented. I am confident that by June of this year, we will at least be a ‘Good’ college.“The needs of our students and apprentices will always remain at the heart of our provision and our goal to deliver the best learning experience is already in progress.