Oaklands College rated 'good' in all areas by Ofsted

Published today (Tuesday, November 21), the outcome of the report improves on the establishment's previous rating of "requires improvement".

The new report, which follows an inspection in September, states: "Learners enjoy studying at the college.

"They feel included and value highly the support they receive from their tutors.

The entrance to Oaklands College, on Hatfield Road. (Image: Google Maps)

"They enjoy working in calm and productive learning environments and value the positive experiences they have at college.

"Learners feel safe at college. They understand how to stay safe and know how to report any concerns that they might have."

The report also gave two factors that Oaklands College needs to improve.

Oaklands College, in Welwyn Garden City. (Image: Google Maps)

These included "attendance and achievement of learners in English and mathematics at all levels" and to "involve employers and stakeholders in planning, teaching and assessing programmes, so that learning is linked appropriately to the skills needs of those stakeholders".

Andrew Slade, who has been principal of Oaklands College since September 2021, commented: "This report reflects the hard work of staff and students along with the excellent work with key partners, stakeholders and employers, with excellent feedback from learners who felt safe, enjoy studying and have their individual requirements met so they can excel.

"This is cemented by the college's strong focus on quality and investment.

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"Our mission is to be a positive outward-looking college, always listening to and collaborating with employers to ensure we're teaching the skills they need, for the benefit of the economy and our students' future prospects.

"It's tremendous to see our approach being so clearly acknowledged and supported by Ofsted."

Oaklands College's Ofsted report can be viewed at: files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50233436

The Ofsted report arrives amid a £62 million investment on Oaklands' St Albans campus, which will see new construction facilities, a film, TV and creative training centre and residential accommodation for students added to the Hatfield Road site.

Construction on all four stages of the St Albans redevelopment was given the green light in 2017, with the college aiming to complete works next year (2024).