Cheshire College – South & West has continued its track record as one of the region’s top educational institutions, earning a ‘Good’ rating across all areas, as well as being awarded the top grade of ‘strong contribution to skills’ in its latest Ofsted report.
Colleges across the country are subject to enhanced Ofsted inspections, which include a specific judgement on contribution to skills. This judgement is reached by assessing how the college identifies and meets regional skills needs, which contribute to a thriving economy. During the inspection in October 2024, Cheshire College was awarded the top outcome of ‘strong’ due to their highly successful relationships with employers, local authorities and communities, and commitment to collaboration.
The report recognises that the College’s collaborative approach has made a significant impact in preparing students for success in a diverse range of industries, reinforcing the institution’s role as a key player in driving economic growth for Cheshire and beyond.
Inspectors highlighted the creation of skills bootcamps for engineering and rail, alongside new courses to develop skilled workers in hydrogen, smart metering and low carbon energy.
As the largest further education provider in the region with three sites: Ellesmere Port, Crewe and Chester, Cheshire College serves a diverse community. At the time of inspection, the College had over 4,600 students aged 16-18 enrolled on a wide variety of courses. The College also supports over 1,500 adult students and 650 apprenticeship students, catering to local people at different stages of their education.
Reflecting on the results, Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College said:
“We are delighted with the outcome of our Ofsted inspection, which affirms the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. Achieving ‘Good’ across all areas with recognition for strong contribution to skills demonstrates our commitment to delivering an exceptional learning experience and preparing our students for success in their future careers.”
The inspection report also commended the College’s approach to education, noting that students and apprentices are highly motivated and eager to learn, demonstrating positive and professional behaviours.
Dhesi emphasised that, “By setting and maintaining high standards, we ensure that our students not only succeed academically but also develop the professional attitudes that will serve them well throughout their lives.”
In addition, the report praised the students’ access to high quality work placements and the broad extracurricular opportunities available, from chess to arts. Initiatives, such as the Scholars programme, foster academic development and prepare students for applying to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
Dhesi added “Our focus remains on building on our success, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our students and provide them with the skills they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world.”
