Blackburn College’s Inspirational Teacher Training Provision Praised STRONG by Ofsted
Teacher educators at University Centre Blackburn College inspire trainees to become the best teachers that they can be, according to the latest glowing Ofsted report.
The regulator rated Blackburn College as having a ‘Strong standard’ across all areas of their teacher training courses in the report published following an Ofsted inspection which took place in June.
Under its new, rigorous rating standards system, the Ofsted Initial Teacher Education (ITE) report, released today (Monday) also praised the skillful design of the initial teacher education curriculum.
The college was judged ‘strong’ across all areas of its teacher training, in a closely scrutinised look at the quality, delivery and overall impact of its ITE offering.
Blackburn College is only the second further education institution in the country to be given this stand out grading.
Recognising the high standards, quality and professionalism across the college’s teacher training, the report states that teacher educators demonstrate “consistently high standards in teaching, assessment and curriculum design.”
Ofsted’s findings reported how trainee teachers are able to build the confidence, independence and resilience that they need for sustained success in teaching, and the report added that the trainees are “proud to be teachers.”
The inspectors reported that leaders and staff consistently make a profound difference to the opportunities and experiences of trainees, and added that “Trainees are well equipped for the realities of teaching in a range of further education and skills settings.”
Dr Fazal Dad CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Blackburn College, welcomed the outcome of the inspection and said:
“This highly positive Ofsted outcome represents a significant endorsement of the professionalism and dedication of our staff, the commitment and ambition of our trainees, and the strength of our valued partnerships.
“It reflects Blackburn College’s steadfast commitment to the highest standards of teacher education and to our wider mission of transforming lives through education. I offer my sincere gratitude to every colleague, trainee, governor and partner whose contribution has been instrumental in securing this achievement.
“While we take considerable pride in this important recognition, we remain resolutely focused on building upon this success and ensuring that every trainee continues to benefit from an exceptional educational experience and the strongest possible outcomes.”
Rachel Tarplee, Vice Principal Curriculum and Quality at Blackburn College said: “To have the Ofsted report rank our College as strong across all areas of our teacher training provision is a landmark moment for our team of dedicated teacher educators.
The college further earned particular praise for their approach to removing obstacles that could prevent people from entering teacher training, including ensuring that trainees with SEND receive the support that they need to flourish.
University Centre Blackburn College offers a variety of teacher training and education courses for Primary, Secondary and Further Education at its University Centre campus.
