HALESOWEN College has retained its ‘good’ Ofsted rating following a recent visit from inspectors.

The college was given a good rating in all five areas of the inspection, which included quality of teaching, apprenticeships and the experience of students.

A report published by Ofsted said students make good progress in their English and maths, they have a desire to succeed through hard work, and there is good behaviour and high attendance.

It also says the college is welcoming and friendly, and leaders and governors have strong effective links with a range of partner organisations.

The college was also praised for the support given to students, the good subject knowledge of teachers, as well as governors and leaders managing the college’s resources very effectively.

The report states: “Learners enjoy their learning and value the support they receive from staff. Teachers have high expectations for learners. Learners are confident, polite and articulate in lessons and enjoy their time at college, they take pride in their work.

“Leaders and governors are ambitious for the college. They are committed to, and passionate about, improving the provision to achieve high standards.”

However, the inspection did find areas where the college could make improvements, saying work experience does not relate sufficiently to students’ career aspirations, while teachers do not make consistently good use of assessment information to plan effectively to challenge the most-able learners.

The inspection also noted that in a “small minority of cases”, observers of lessons do not focus sufficiently on the progress and learning that are the result of teaching activities and therefore is not sufficiently helpful in enabling the improvement of teachers’ practice.

College principal David Williams said: “We are really pleased to have kept our good rating, which shows the success of our students and the hard work of our staff and partners.”

The college is said to be introducing a new work experience programme and more formal reviews of student progress to make the required improvements.