WESTON College effectively prepares students to take their "next steps" in life, Ofsted has said.

The further education facility was visited by inspectors from December 5 to December 8, 2023.

The provider received a 'Good' score in all areas, including the quality of education and leadership.

The inspector praised the provider for preparing learners and mimicking the world of work. The report reads: "Learners and apprentices, including those studying with subcontractors, learn in high-quality facilities that reflect well the workplaces and industries that most of them will move into after they complete their courses.

"For example, learners aged 16 to 18 studying a wide range of creative media subjects use the latest technology and software at the Loxton Campus.

"Apprentices and adult learners studying construction or engineering use industry standard equipment at the South West Skills Campus.

"Learners with the most complex high needs learn in a specialist sensory facility at the Knightstone Campus. Adults studying on bootcamp programmes in HGV driving use high-quality online resources that replicate the logistics industry at the Construction Training Centre.

"Learners and apprentices studying with subcontractors study in professional environments, such as learners aged 16 to 18 studying supporting teaching and learning at Learning for Futures.

"Teachers use these resources very effectively to motivate learners and apprentices to develop new knowledge and skills.

"Most learners and apprentices are prepared effectively by staff to make well-informed choices about their next steps.

"Staff provide them with useful careers education, information and guidance.

"Most learners and apprentices use this knowledge well to help them to plan their move into further training, employment or independent living.

"Leaders understand and respond effectively to the acute shortage of skills in the South West, such as in warehousing and logistics. For example, they provide adult learners studying on skills bootcamps with the opportunity to develop essential skills and knowledge, such as learning to drive an HGV.

"Leaders ensure they meet the local community skills needs very effectively by working with Jobcentre Plus and community organisations, such as The Hive, to provide adults with training that leads to better employment prospects."

Jacqui Ford, interim principal, said: "We are immensely proud of the recognition awarded to Weston College by both Ofsted and the Teaching Excellence Framework.

"These accolades are a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing our learners and apprentices for successful careers. The scale and breadth of Weston College's offerings, combined with the stringent new inspection criteria, make these achievements particularly noteworthy.

"It's especially rewarding to know that our students and apprentices feel secure, enthusiastic about learning, and equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to venture into the workforce confidently.

"We remain dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence in everything we do."

To improve, it was noted that the college needs to ensure that learners are given high-quality, well-rounded feedback and that they have a personal development plan in place.