Godalming College continues to stand out

Godalming College is delighted to report that, following our inspection in November, the College has once again retained its Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ status.

Emma Young, Principal, said, “This is a really proud moment for our amazing teaching and support staff, trustees, as well as our wonderful students who have all contributed to this success. It is a high bar to sustain over such a prolonged period, but this is recognition of the relentless drive we have at the College to provide the very best experience for our students."

Some highlights from the Inspection Report are as follows:

• Students value the very positive and welcoming community at Godalming College. They benefit from highly knowledgeable teachers who create very calm, orderly environments that allow them to focus on their learning exceptionally well.
• Students enjoy their experience at the college and attend well.
• Students are highly motivated and studious and make excellent progress while they are at college.
• Teachers provide effective feedback on students’ work that makes sure they know very precisely what they have done well and where they need to improve.
• Teachers provide numerous opportunities for students to practise exam-style questions and consider model answers.
• Students feel safe at college and are confident that if they were to raise a concern it would be acted upon appropriately. 
• Leaders and staff are ambitious for students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities or those who face disadvantage.
• Staff work with students to identify their support needs early in their time at college and put appropriate support in place.
• Nearly all students complete their programme and pass their final assessments. Many students studying A Levels achieve the highest grades of A* to B. A very high proportion of students studying BTECs achieve a merit or distinction grade.

As a College we are constantly reflecting and learning to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our students and ensure that they are best prepared for their futures. The inspection team specifically highlighted progress the College has made in the area of personal development to support student progression. The report states ‘Leaders have implemented a high-quality careers programme that is tailored to their students’ aspirations. Students receive support from teachers to complete their university applications successfully. Leaders provide students with a range of internal and external careers events, where they hear from higher education institutions and employers and are informed of apprenticeship opportunities well.’

We are delighted that the inspection team could clearly see what a successful, vibrant, learning community Godalming College is.

You can find the full report here.