A COLLEGE told it required improvement has been awarded a rating of ‘good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Last year, the schools watchdog told Bury College it must rapidly improve the quality of its teaching, learning and assessment.

Following the visit in January 2017, inspectors reported that too many students on AS- and A-level programmes at the college, in Market Street, do not complete their qualifications, achieve the grades they are capable, or progress to the second year of their programmes.

However, inspectors revisited the college last month and reported that a number of improvement had taken place.

They found that leaders had a clear vision for the college and had begun to make improvements in students’ achievements, and praised the 'very effective support from teaching staff’.

Inspectors also reported that the vast majority of students progress to further education or employment, or start an apprenticeship on completion of their studies, while achievements for students with high needs and those on adult programmes are high, with most making good progress.

They also found that students on 16 to 19 study programmes benefit from highly effective and meaningful work experience and work-related learning that prepare them for further study, employment or starting an apprenticeship’.

However, the college was warned that its apprenticeship provision ‘requires improvement’, with concerns raised over the number of apprentices completing their apprenticeships on time.

To improve further, inspectors said the college must ensure teachers use the results of assessments to set aspirational targets and plan learning activities that result in students and apprentices making good progress in their studies and achieving the grades they are capable of.

Other areas for improvement included feedback to students and apprentices, as well as improving attendance rates, and the progress of AS and A-level students.

Charlie Deane, Bury College principal and chief executive, said: “This is wonderful news for Bury, Bury College and the communities we serve.

“I am delighted for our staff, students and governors. Their commitment and hard work has rightly been recognised by Ofsted as delivering high quality education and training.”