Quality and teaching
Ensuring high quality provision for our learners is central to West
Herts College's aims.
From application right through to final achievement, we strive to provide
a first-rate experience. In order to achieve continuous improvement and to
attain excellence, we must be analytical about our performance, be rigorous
in setting and monitoring ambitious targets and ensure that good practice is
recognised and shared within the College.
West Herts College was rated as outstanding by Ofsted in March 2010. The college’s overall effectiveness of provision was given
the highest grade possible by Ofsted, along with its capacity to improve. West Herts College was the first general further
education college to be graded as outstanding under Ofsted’s revised inspection framework, making it a benchmark for others to follow.
In their report Ofsted said: “The quality of provision is outstanding. Teachers plan lessons very well to meet individual learners’
needs and use a wide variety of teaching methods to motivate and engage learners. When following their courses, learners receive
outstanding individual care and support to help them fulfil their potential.” The report also recognised that learners leave
West Herts College with the skills that are essential for employment, stating: “Most learners on vocational courses develop excellent
work-related skills that increase their employability prospects and contribute significantly to their future economic well-being.”
West Herts College Principal and Chief Executive , Elizabeth Rushton, said she was delighted with the outcome of the inspection.
“Our objective is to meet the needs of our local communities by offering outstanding teaching and learning to people of all ages and
backgrounds. That Ofsted recognise our contribution to the local economy is particularly rewarding. By training people with the
skills they need for the modern workplace, colleges can make a direct contribution to boosting local employment."