March 25, 2011 10.10 am This story is over 156 months old

Ofsted gives Lincoln College thumbs up

Glowing report: Lincoln College has gained ‘Outstanding’ after the latest Ofsted inspection.

Lincoln College has been marked outstanding by Ofsted, making it the biggest General Further Education (GFE) College in England to gain Grade 1.

There are only four other GFE colleges in the country who have received outstanding grades from Ofsted under their new grading framework (launched in 2009).

To celebrate, there will be a firework display, set off at the top of the Dean’s Building at the Lincoln campus on Monks Road, on March 25.

Principal and Chief Executive John Allen said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised as one of the best and one of the largest GFE colleges in the country.

“This is fantastic news for both the college and the local communities it serves.

“Our priority is to provide inclusive, high-quality education and training– a level of quality now nationally recognised and one that we are committed to upholding.”

Tweleve Ofsted inspectors visited the college’s campuses in Lincoln, Newark and Gainsborough on February 7 to 14 to inspect the further education facility.

The Ofsted report said that success rates on long courses have improved significantly and learners have developed high specialist skills.

The report also notes the college needs to work on the lack of space in the canteen and cover arrangements when teachers are absent.

President of the Student Union, A Level student Declan Forsyth, said: “I made the right decision when I chose to study at Lincoln College—it has revitalised my opinion of education.

“I started my A Levels at school, but it wasn’t right for me. It’s a very different environment to school and I’m confident I’m getting the quality of education and range of experiences that will help my future.

“I have found the College very deserving of its ‘outstanding’ grade.”

Source: Shooting Star