Joseph Chamberlain College Celebrates Another Outstanding Ofsted Inspection (2024)
To read the full Ofsted report, please click here.
For the second time in six years, Ofsted has awarded the grade of “Outstanding” to Joseph Chamberlain College, recognising its commitment to, and success in, achieving the college’s mission of: “An Exceptional Education for All.” The recent Ofsted report reveals JCC to be a truly exceptional institution and the first Sixth Form College in England that has been judged as making a ‘strong’ contribution (the highest possible grade) to the development of skills urgently in demand among the local community as well as the wider country.
Since JCC’s last inspection in 2017, Ofsted has adopted a more challenging framework which has resulted in a smaller number of schools and colleges being singled out for excellence. To have retained the status of “Outstanding” in such circumstances is a significant accomplishment of which staff and students alike are justifiably proud.
Tony Day, Principal of JCC, described the Ofsted report as: “the perfect endorsement of the tireless work we do to educate and support our students.”
In the report it is observed that students at JCC possess “highly positive attitudes and commitment to their education” and are capable of making “substantial and sustained progress from their starting points” to achieve top results. One explanation given for this by the inspectors is the ‘highly ambitious curriculums that are designed to enable all learners … to develop the knowledge, and skills they need for their next steps.’
The college is felt to be a safe and intellectually invigorating environment, presided over by a teaching staff committed to the creation of a ‘positive and respectful culture.’ As one student, Shanza Safdar, put it: ‘My experience at JCC was amazing. I had great, supportive teachers and the social aspect was fulfilling. I was surrounded by people encouraging me to do my best.’
Inspectors were also deeply impressed by how many students participate in ‘curriculum enhancement activities’ such as science competitions, events hosted by the debating society and workshops organised with the purpose of boosting grades or developing of valuable employability skills. The report states that the college takes great care to present students with ‘a range of opportunities to help them to prepare for their next steps.’
And based on the exam results coming out of the college, these next steps will likely be big ones. Some closing statistics: 51% of A-level students at JCC achieved an A*, A or B in their final examinations, while 82%, earned A* – C. 71% of students studying Level 3 BTEC courses achieved the highest grade of Distinction/Distinction*. As for the number of A-level students that pass their qualifications, this stands at an inspiring 99%. The college’s painstaking approach to providing the best education possible is animated by an awareness of the unique needs and potential of every student. ‘Studying at Joseph Chamberlain has been incredible,’ said Shiza Adnan. ‘I’ve learnt so much, not just about the subjects I’ve studied, but also about life and independence.’
Joseph Chamberlain College is holding its next Open Tour on Saturday 24th February. Visit the college’s website’s home page at www.jcc.ac.uk to find out about applying to the college and future tours planned in the coming months.
