Bishop Auckland College is a medium-sized general further education college located in County Durham, serving the local community and parts of Darlington. The college offers a diverse range of education programs for young people, adult learning, and apprenticeships across various vocational subjects. It also caters to students with high needs and provides full-time education for students aged 14 to 16. Recently, the college expanded its facilities by opening the Durham Gateway in Spennymoor, which focuses on students aged 14 to 16 and offers plumbing apprenticeships and courses at the South West Durham Training Centre.
The college has received a positive inspection report, with an overall effectiveness rating of good. This reflects the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership, and management, all rated as good. The college has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The leadership team has effectively addressed attendance management and set clear expectations for students regarding lesson attendance and punctuality. As a result, students now make good progress from their starting points.
Students at Bishop Auckland College develop valuable skills, knowledge, and behaviors that enable them to progress to higher-level qualifications or employment. They demonstrate good behavior in lessons and around the campus, showing respect for others and a commitment to their education. Employers appreciate the professional standards developed in apprentices during off-the-job training, which is evident in their conduct in the workplace.
The college provides a variety of enrichment activities that foster students' understanding of their roles as active citizens in the community. For instance, catering students run a lunch club for Age UK County Durham, while public services students organized a coffee morning to support local veterans. Additionally, students have opportunities to travel abroad, enhancing their cultural awareness and personal confidence. The college has utilized Turing funds to facilitate educational visits for students, including those with high needs.
While the college excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in the provision for learners with high needs. The curriculum for these students lacks ambition, and the programs do not adequately address their individual needs. Teachers do not consistently use appropriate resources or technology to support learning in subjects like English and mathematics. In contrast, students with high needs enrolled in vocational courses benefit from a more ambitious curriculum.
The college's safeguarding arrangements are effective, with comprehensive policies and procedures in place to ensure student safety. Leaders and managers have responded to an increase in safeguarding concerns by appointing additional specialist staff to support students facing various risks. The college maintains a zero-tolerance approach to incidents of harassment and abuse, ensuring swift action is taken in response to reported incidents.
To further enhance its offerings, the college must ensure that the curriculum for students with complex needs is ambitious and tailored to help them develop independent living skills. Additionally, it is essential that all apprentices receive impartial and independent careers advice throughout their programs to help them make informed decisions about their future pathways. Overall, Bishop Auckland College demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and support to its diverse student population, with a clear focus on continuous improvement.
