Craven College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings

This is a good provider Leaders and managers have implemented a clear and effective plan to address the weaknesses identified at the previous inspection; as a result, the quality of education and training has improved. Staff provide excellent pastoral support to students, including those with high needs, which enables them to overcome barriers to learning and complete their courses successfully. Managers have maintained the very high standard of training provided to apprentices, and have further increased the very high numbers who complete their apprenticeship within the planned timescale.

Students' achievement is good. The proportion of students who complete their courses successfully has i...mproved and is now high. Students receive very good impartial careers advice and guidance which enable them to make informed decisions about their next steps.

Managers have carefully designed a curriculum which very effectively meets the needs of students. Almost all students on 16 to 19 study programmes take part in good-quality work experience, which develops their skills and enhances their understanding of the world of work. Attendance is not high enough for students on 16 to 19 study programmes and for adult students.

In a minority of lessons on 16 to 19 study programmes at levels 1 and 2, teachers provide insufficiently challenging learning activities for the most able students who, as a result, do not progress rapidly enough to fulfil their potential. Too many adult students, students with high needs and apprentices are insufficiently clear about the dangers of extremist views and how to recognise the signs of radicalisation. Too few students on 16 to 19 study programmes achieve high grades in GCSE English and mathematics.

Information about the provider

Craven College is a general further education college based in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Additional learning centres exist at Leeds Bradford International Airport, Ripon and Scarborough. The majority of students at the college follow 16 to 19 study programmes in a wide range of vocational subjects, while a small number of students take A-level programmes.

The college also provides adult learning programmes and apprenticeships in a variety of subjects, and courses for students with high needs. The number of people in the Craven area who are unemployed is significantly below the local authority and national average. The proportion of individuals with qualifications at levels 2, 3 and 4 is above that found nationally.

A number of selective grammar schools, and schools with large sixth forms, exist in and around Skipton. The proportion of young people gaining GCSE mathematics and English at grade 4 in the North Yorkshire local authority is above the national average. Around half of the students on 16 to 19 study programmes at Craven College study GCSE mathematics, English or both.