The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, including Castleford College, Selby College, and Wakefield College, recently received praise from Ofsted for its strong commitment to addressing local and national skills gaps. In a thorough inspection, the Group earned an overall ‘Good’ rating, excelling in all areas.
The three colleges provide apprenticeships in health and education; hospitality and catering; engineering; business and professional services; and more.
16 Ofsted inspectors carried out a full inspection of the Group’s three Colleges in early October, following Ofsted’s latest ‘enhanced inspection framework’, which was launched in September 2022.
The Group received the highest grade of ‘Strong’ for its efforts in developing a responsive curriculum which addresses skills gaps in the local, regional and national economy. Ofsted highlighted the Group’s good relationships with various stakeholders including local employers and education partners. This enables it to understand skills needs in different industries.
The ‘Good’ rating covered all areas, including education quality, student behaviour, leadership effectiveness, and personal development.
Teachers were praised for their planning, helping learners and apprentices continuously learn.
The Group’s support for learners with high needs was commended, offering chances for independence, work-related skills, and pathways to employment. The report also praised processes ensuring the right care for learners with high needs.
The report emphasised the Group’s commitment to safety, creating a culture where students feel comfortable sharing concerns in a collaborative environment.
Sam Wright, principal and chief executive, thanked colleagues for their dedication during challenges like a global pandemic and economic downturn.
Andrew McConnell OBE, chair of governors at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “Our board of governors, executive team and colleagues across the Group are delighted with the result and are incredibly proud of our staff, students and the quality of provision delivered here at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.”
