The recent Estyn inspection of Pembrokeshire College has resulted in a glowing report identifying many strengths, including several areas of sector-leading practice, and no important areas requiring significant improvement.

With a three-year upward trend in successful completion, Estyn inspectors graded the college’s current performance as ‘Good’ and its prospects for improvement as ‘Excellent’.

Awarded six ‘Excellent’ and nine ‘Good’ judgements overall, the two-week long inspection during January saw up to 22 inspectors meet with students and staff on a daily basis across all A-level and vocational provision.

Inspectors reported that “the college plans very well to meet the needs of learners and the wider community” and described teachers as demonstrating up-to-date subject knowledge and technical skills.

The published report judges the college learning environment to be ‘Excellent’ and praises staff for “creating a highly inclusive environment in which learners feel respected and safe”. Inspectors were also impressed with the college building and facilities which provide learners with learning facilities and classrooms that are of a high standard, with good access to ICT and resources, while workshops and specialist classrooms “contain modern, industry standard equipment that meets the needs of learners well”.

During their visit, inspectors were also impressed with the number of learners engaging in the wide range of enrichment activities on offer and awarded an ‘Excellent’ for care, support and guidance which they described as “highly effective”. Inspectors were particularly impressed with the clear progression routes which enable learners to progress successfully to the next level of learning or into employment.

The report concluded by judging leadership and management of the college to be ‘Excellent’. The report states that the principal and governing body “have provided outstanding transformational leadership in implementing major structural change, driving rapid significant improvements in standards and delivering strong financial performance”.

The report also praised the college for its diverse range of community, educational and business partnerships stating “these highly effective partnerships, with small, medium and large enterprises, have enabled the college to offer comprehensive educational opportunities at all levels”.

College principal, Sharron Lusher, commented: “We are delighted with our latest Estyn inspection report. The report is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our learners, staff and governors.

“We are proud to be Pembrokeshire’s College.”