A BRADFORD college is celebrating after it received an 'Outstanding' rating in its first-ever Ofsted report.

New College Bradford, which caters for 16-19-year-olds, opened its doors on Nelson Street, just outside the city centre, four years ago in September 2019.

The specialist post-16 provider was praised by Ofsted in a recent inspection for the effective teaching and learning delivered by staff. 

The report highlights the college’s “consistently excellent tuition”, its “highly ambitious curriculum”, and that its teachers are “experts in their fields".

It also commended the students, noting that "behaviour, both inside and outside of classes, is exemplary".

The college’s commitment to improving social mobility in Bradford is of particular note, with the report commenting that “leaders and managers have a very strong focus on raising the aspirations of young people in the Bradford area”.

It adds: “A very high proportion of students go on to university destinations, and most of the rest progress to high-level apprenticeships or employment.”

The report also praises the opportunities offered to students outside of the classroom, with “the availability of a broad range of high-quality and interesting activities” including “opportunities to travel to Italy and Malta” and the chance to “participate in community projects in Thailand and Cambodia.”

The college’s leaders are specifically praised as being “collaborative” and supportive of staff.

“Leaders are considerate of staff workload and well-being," and provide “effective management of individual workloads.”

Pupils gathered outside the college with balloons spelling out 'Outstanding' to celebrate the achievement.

Stuart Nash, New College Bradford’s Principal, said: “The whole community of New College Bradford is delighted by this report.

“The college’s collaborative culture reflects the significant contribution which every person makes to the success of our students, be they teaching or non-teaching staff.

"To have achieved ‘outstanding’ within the first four years of opening is genuinely a special moment for everyone.

“It is also a significant testament to the hard work and resilience of our students, and the support of the wider community of Bradford, who have worked so closely with us over the past four years.

"In particular, I would like to thank all the members of the college’s Advisory Group, who have given their time, energy and advice for free. Their support has been invaluable.”

Applications to join New College Bradford for September 2024 are now open.

Details can be found on their website: ncbradford.ac.uk