City of Sunderland College, Sunderland

What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Students and apprentices benefit from high-quality teaching. They swiftly develop substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours, which prepares them very well for their next steps. Students and apprentices achieve extremely well. Students who have high needs complete work that is exceptionally demanding, and, as a result, they achieve the best possible outcomes. Young people are very ambitious for their future because of the support and high-quality teaching that they experience. Teachers support students and apprentices exceptionally well to achieve their ambitions, and a very high proportion move on to positive destinations.

Teachers set clear and consistent expectations of behaviour and conduct, and, as a result, students and apprentices demonstrate positive attitudes and commitment to their education and training. Adult students on ESOL courses are enthusiastic and eager to learn the English language and about the customs and institutions of the new society in which they have settled. At Kirkley Hall, students on animal management courses understand the need for positive behaviour in enclosures and indoor keeping environments. They know to act in sensible and mature ways so that the animals they handle and care for remain calm and unperturbed by the activities that they conduct. In social spaces in all three colleges, such as the canteens and outside areas, students' behaviour is exemplary.

What does the provider do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders and governors have a very clear vision to provide high-quality training and education in the north east region. Senior leaders have dedicated time and effort to transform the college group. They have been on a relentless journey to improve all aspects of students' and apprentices' experience across all the college campuses. Through inspirational leadership, the culture of the organisation has become one of high aspiration and continuous improvement. Staff strive to achieve their best and are very proud to work for the organisation.

Leaders work productively with subcontractors to complement their education and training offer. For example, they subcontract a domestic appliance repair skills bootcamp to Zenith People because this organisation has highly skilled subject teachers to deliver training on employers' premises. Leaders and managers closely monitor subcontracted provision to make sure that the quality of teaching is of the same high quality provided at the college.

Quality of education, Behaviour & attitudes, Personal development, Leadership & management.

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