A NORTH-EAST college has been Ofsted rated ‘good’ in its first inspection since it was formed in 2017.

The grading is the first awarded to Tyne Coast College (TCC) following the merger of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School with Tyne Metropolitan College and Queen Alexandra Sixth Form on August 1, 2017.

TCC was found to be ‘Good’ across all areas of the college following a full four-day inspection earlier this month (8-11 October).

Quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes, apprenticeships and provision for learners with high needs were all graded ‘good’, resulting in the overall effectiveness grading as ‘Good’.

Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, chief executive of Tyne Coast College, said: “We are very pleased with the Ofsted outcome, our first inspection since merger.

“The grade is well deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of each and every member of the Tyne Coast College workforce, our cohesive, inclusive, organisational culture and our aim to offer a bigger, better, stronger provision to those looking to study with us.”

In the four-page report, inspectors commended the learner experience, saying: “Learners flourish and develop their resilience and self-confidence as a result of attending courses at the college.

“Many disadvantaged young people have a positive view of education and their future for the first time.”

They also commented that lecturers “share their vocational knowledge and expertise frequently with learners, which helps bring the curriculum to life” as well as having access to “high-quality training facilities”.

Recognition was also given to staff who “ensure that learners benefit from a wide range of learning experiences that are relevant to their subject area and that build their character”.

Staff at South Shields Marine School were also praised for providing “a specialist and cutting-edge curriculum” for those studying maritime programmes as well as “making effective use of excellent resources to ensure that learners develop the knowledge that they need to work successfully at sea”.

Andrew Watts, Chair, Tyne Coast College said: “Our mission is to unlock the potential of those who study with us.

“This report demonstrates that we are working well to achieve this. We will now continue on our journey to outstanding.”

Full details of the Ofsted report are available on its website.

Note to Editors:

Tyne Coast College offers a new and exciting vision of education and training in the North East.

It cuts across geographical boundaries to deliver opportunity for all to succeed, personally and professionally.

A diverse and innovative vocationally-driven curriculum is underpinned by close links to employers.

Its brands include South Tyneside College, Tyne Metropolitan College and Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College, both North Tyneside, and South Shields Marine School.

Other specialist provision includes Career College North East, TMC Campus, IGNITE Centre for Engineering & Innovation, Marine and Offshore Safety Training Centre, and Creative Studios.

Combined, they meet an ambition to deliver outstanding provision that puts students on a clear course to academic attainment and career success.

Tyne Coast College shapes education and training for around 16,000 full and part-time students each year.