Bridgend College Celebrates 'Outstanding' Estyn Inspection

On the evening of Tuesday 13^th October, Bridgend College celebrated with staff, Governors, local partners and distinguished guests the ‘outstanding' results achieved in their recent Estyn Inspection. 

The party was started by our Performing Arts students, who entertained guests while they enjoyed drinks and fish and chips.

Mark Jones, Principal, gave a speech about his pride at the outstanding results achieved, which was followed by a moving account from Ann Ford, Care & Childhood Studies Lectuer, of the Estyn inspection experience. Carwyn Jones, AM and guest speaker was then invited to give his key note address in which he highlighted the significance of having a grade 1 College in the borough of Bridgend.

In April 2009, Bridgend College welcomed a team of 30 Estyn Inspectors to their campuses to assess eight learning areas as well as the seven key questions within the common inspection framework. The College was awarded 10 x Grade 1s and 5 x Grade 2's, one of the highest set of grades ever awarded to a Further Education College in Wales (or England).

Bridgend College is also one of only four Colleges in Wales to achieve Grade 1's for the two most important Key Questions 1 and 2.

In relation to Key Question 1 "How well do learners achieve?" 94% of the classroom observations undertaken by the Inspection Teams were judged to be either Grade 1 or Grade 2. This is the second best result ever achieved in the FE sector within Wales.

In relation to Key Question 2 "How effective are teaching, training and assessment?" 37% of the observations undertaken by the inspection teams were judged to be Grade 1. This is also the second best result ever achieved, across the FE sector in Wales.

"As a result of these grades being awarded, the College now stands at the forefront of education and training in Wales. Whilst these results are due recognition of both staff and students commitment and dedication, they also act as aspirational targets for both current and future students. Bridgend College is now clearly a real ‘high quality' option for all prospective students, parents and partners to consider." Mark Jones, Principal