"ALTON College is outstanding in every way" - that was the judgement of Ofsted after its inspection of the college in May this year. The college became one of only a very few in the country to be judged "outstanding", achieving grade ones in all five areas of inspection. In the recently-published report, Ofsted inspectors were extremely impressed by the "outstanding overall achievements and standards" of the college, the "high academic success" of students and the contribution the college makes to their personal development. They reported that "staff at all levels are committed to ensuring students achieve their potential". Principal Jane Machell said: "I am thrilled and delighted that all of the hard work being carried out by staff and students at the college has been acknowledged by Ofsted as outstanding. Alton College has long held a local and national reputation for being an excellent college that achieves high standards. Four years ago, after our last inspection, the college was awarded Beacon status; one of only 20 sixth-form colleges in the country to achieve this mark of quality." She continued: "In this latest round of inspections there are even fewer colleges that have been able to achieve the highest possible standard, which makes gaining five outstanding grade ones even more special. Everyone at the college is extremely proud of this recognition." It wasn't just the very impressive examination results achieved by Alton College students that were recognised by Ofsted, but also the quality of teaching and support students receive. Inspectors judged the guidance and support for students as "outstanding" and highlighted that students are well supported by their tutors. Indeed, they acknowledged that students on advanced level courses make significantly better progress than expected based on their GCSE results. They also highlighted the excellent and effective relationship that the college fosters with the parents of sixth-form students. "Alton College has a real and tangible commitment to equal opportunities and diversity," said Jane Machell. This quality was not missed by the inspectors who reported that the college's approach to meeting the needs and interests of students and to social and educational inclusion is outstanding. They concluded that students from all backgrounds do well and that there are no significant differences between the achievement rates of male and female students, those from minority ethnic backgrounds, students with disabilities or those who have additional learning needs. The personal and welfare support provided was also recognised by inspectors as outstanding and they judged the induction programme for new students as 'effective in helping them to settle in quickly'. The advice and guidance given in helping students choose and apply for higher education was also rated as 'excellent'. Students over many years have described the atmosphere at the college as being a special ingredient in its popularity and one of the reasons why students come from a wide area. John Hawkins (formerly of Bishop Challoner School in Basingstoke) summed it up: "Alton College is a lively, fun college which still encourages a purposeful atmosphere towards work." Sarah Lewin (formerly of Robert Mays School, Odiham) agreed. "It's a very happy place to be," she said. Inspectors also experienced this atmosphere while carrying out their work. 'Whatever you have got here you ought to bottle it and sell it,' senior managers and governors were told. Inspectors also commented on "a strong culture of promoting achievement and the development of rounded young people". They concluded that students at the college enjoy their learning and show courtesy and respect for one another. "They are articulate, confident and knowledgeable about their subjects.' All areas of the college's provision were examined, including the college's excellent new accommodation and facilities – such as the learning resource and IT centre, sports hall and science centre – which were described as "outstanding". The magnificent new Michael Gray arts and music centre opens for students in September. Ofsted inspectors were impressed by the "outstanding" leadership and management at the college and particularly praised the work of the principal and governors for the 'clear strategic direction' they provide. Chair of governors Merry Frankel was delighted with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection. She praised and thanked the magnificent efforts of the principal and all of the staff at the college. She also said: "I'm very proud to be the chairman of governors at this time and very pleased that the commitment of my fellow governors has been recognised. They give freely of their experience and also, of their time; they're a great team." The five areas are graded on a four point scale where one is outstanding and four is unsatisfactory. The areas are as follows: l Effectiveness of provision: is an overall judgement on the performance of the college across the full range of its activities. l Capacity to improve: recognises how the college applies its self-assessment and quality processes and determines whether there is rigour and a resolve not to be complacent so that there is a continual drive to develop and build on strengths. l Achievement and standards: is about student success including the quality of examination results students achieve and trends over time. l Quality of provision: includes the quality of teaching and resources, how well learning is promoted and how well the college meets the needs of all learners. Leadership and management: examines all aspects of management in the college with a particular focus on the work of the principal, senior managers and governors. l The full Ofsted report can be viewed at http://www.ofsted.go.uk">www.ofsted.go.uk
