Ofsted inspectors are coming to City College Brighton and Hove – just as a consultation begins on a proposal to merge with Northbrook College in Worthing.
The prospect of an inspection was anticipated at a meeting of the governors at the end of July.
A team of about five inspectors will spend tomorrow (Wednesday 19 October) and Thursday at the college.
The last time that City College was inspected – five years ago – Ofsted said: “City College is a good college, with outstanding leadership and management and with outstanding capacity to sustain and make further improvements.
“Learners are at the centre of its work and ambitions and they have good opportunities to express their views, which are listened to.
“Quality improvement arrangements, including the college’s self-assessment of its own strengths and weaknesses, are outstanding.
“Learners achieve good outcomes and enjoy their learning. Learners’ success … is significantly better than the national average for similar colleges.
“Teaching and learning are good. Leadership, management and governance are outstanding.”
When Ofsted last inspected Northbrook three years ago City College’s current chief executive Nick Juba was the chairman of governors at the Worthing college. Northbrook was rated good overall, with outstanding leadership and management.
City College was also holding an open evening this evening (Tuesday 18 October) from 5pm to 7pm, with the next one due on Wednesday 9 November.
The college is throwing open the doors at its Pelham Street base as well as its City College East campus in Wilson Avenue.
For more details, visit ccb.ac.uk.