Ofsted Report

Leyton Sixth Form College was assessed by Ofsted in 2020 where it sustained its grade of ‘Good’ in every single category of its provision.

In the summary of key findings, the new principal has ensured continuity in the effectiveness of leadership and management. This has enabled leaders to maintain the good quality of education at the college.

Leaders have ensured that teachers attend high-quality training to help them to improve their teaching practice. For example, in sociology, staff have attended training on how to use resources and adapt teaching strategies to make courses more challenging for learners, so they are able to achieve higher grades.

Students are keen to meet the high expectations set by their teachers. Staff push them to work hard and excel in their studies. Students attend regularly and fully engage in lessons because they are eager to listen to what their teachers have to say. A-level students are diligent about completing homework on time and to a high standard because they want to succeed.

The report highlights that students feel reassured by the safe and secure college environment. Security staff have a strong presence at all times, as well as closely monitoring the local area near to the campus.

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Designated safeguarding leads and governors have received appropriate higher level training from the local authority. As a result, leaders have ensured that safeguarding arrangements are effective. Where concerns exist, staff make timely referrals to a range of external agencies and the local authority.

Leaders and managers have established effective links with universities and
employers to help improve teachers’ vocational knowledge. For example, teachers of
health and social care spend dedicated time in industry each year.

Leaders and teachers ensure that students benefit from good-quality careers information, advice and guidance, which supports them to make informed choices
regarding their next steps. The use of careers fairs and visiting speakers enables students to understand the broad range of progression routes available after
they complete college.

The inspection was welcomed by College Principal, Gill Burbridge, “As a College, we wholeheartedly believe in the quality of educational experience that we provide so it t is reassuring and pleasing that Ofsted have officially agreed and recognised the strength of our provision.  The lead inspector and his team acknowledged the progress we have made since our last inspection and the high expectations that we have of our students in ensuring that they “work hard and excel in their studies.”  

The Ofsted report for Leyton Sixth Form College is published here on the Ofsted website.