THE residential accommodation at Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre has been rated ‘outstanding’ after a surprise Ofsted inspection.


 All four aspects of the inspection; outcomes for learners; quality of service; safeguarding; and effectiveness of leadership and management received the rating.


During their visit the Ofsted Inspectors noted that:

  • The academic achievement of residential learners is consistently even higher than their non-residential peers.
  • Residential learners benefit by receiving support from a very committed, dedicated and exceptionally well-trained team.
  • The safety and well-being of residential learners is one of the core values of the college. It is embedded throughout all their practice. This enables residential learners to develop their understanding and skills to ensure their own safety.
  • Excellent links and communication across all aspects of the college ensure residential learners benefit from a holistic and consistent care system.
  • Leadership and management are strong and committed to driving improvement. The leadership team inspires all college staff to provide residential learners with an outstanding experience.
  • Residential learners develop into effective members of their immediate and wider community. This derives from the college community ethos and developing tolerance and understanding of those they come into contact with.
  • Residential learners are enabled to achieve. They gain the skills and qualification they need to make them very employable.
  • The college has efficient monitoring and evaluation systems to continuously improve the service they provide.

The college was last inspected in 2011 when it also achieved outstanding grades across all elements.

Bridgwater College principal Mike Robbins said: “I am delighted w e have done so well in our inspection again. Our students’ wellbeing is at the heart of what we do and it is very satisfying that Ofsted have recognised the exceptional job our staff do in supporting students both in their studies and their general wellbeing.”