Heart of Worcestershire College, Redditch

Post-16

Further education

Mixed

Ages 14–99

Data last updated 11 Sept 2026

Location

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Key Information

DfE GIAS

Head:Mrs Michelle Dowse

LA:Worcestershire

Phone:08448802500

Website:www.howcollege.ac.uk

Address:Peakman Campus, Peakman Street, Redditch, B98 8DW

Area:Schools in B98

Admissions:Not applicable

Status:open

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 6 months ago

Report card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)

Exceptional

Strong

Expected

Needs Attention

Urgent

Achievement

Expected Standard

Personal Development

Strong Standard

Leadership

Expected Standard

Inspected 10 March 2026View full report

URN:130713

UKPRN:10007977

Diocese:Not applicable

Constituency:Redditch

Urban/Rural:Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

Ofsted Insights

What This School Does Well

Heart of Worcestershire College excels at working closely with employers to design courses that prepare students for real jobs in their local area. The college has a strong commitment to including all learners, with dedicated support systems to help students with additional needs succeed. Learners benefit from well-organized work placements and receive excellent career guidance from teachers with industry experience.

Key Strengths

Strong employer partnerships and skills strategy that addresses local and regional needs
Excellent inclusion culture with comprehensive support systems and a learner equity panel
Steady improvement in qualification achievement rates now in line with national averages
Well-organised work placement programmes that match learner interests
Industry-experienced teachers providing effective career advice and guidance

Areas for Improvement

Teachers do not routinely use learners' starting points to set challenging targets and monitor progress closely
In some areas, teachers do not guide learners to produce work to the highest standard or distinction grade level
Need for more consistent high-quality teaching across all subject areas

Safeguarding

Safeguarding standards are met - the college has established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and learners feel safe.

Heart of Worcestershire College received a strong inspection rating with effective safeguarding standards met. The college has significantly strengthened employer partnerships and implemented a highly effective skills strategy that places learners at the centre of curriculum design.