Their findings, published today, confirm its commitment to excellence in education, student development and meeting regional skills needs.
Ofsted’s overall ‘Good’ rating is significantly boosted by four ‘Outstanding’ sub-judgements for: behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and adult learning programmes.
The report highlights the dedication of staff in supporting students and apprentices who “thoroughly enjoy their education and training” and enjoy high-quality teaching that equips them with valuable skills for their futures.
This inspection included a first-ever assessment of the college’s contribution to meeting skills needs. Through close partnerships with employers like the NHS and BAE Systems, it has designed a curriculum that directly responds to workforce demands and achieves the highest-possible rating of ‘Strong’.
Alun Francis, Chief Executive Officer at B&FC, said: “This report is a tremendous recognition of the hard work and commitment by our staff, governors, students and their parents – and they should all feel very proud.”
“Ofsted confirms that significant progress is being made across all aspects of our provision and we’re delighted to have upgraded our ratings in five of the eight areas assessed.
“This is an important milestone in our continuous improvement, but we are already well advanced with ambitious plans for our next steps.
“It is particularly pleasing that our adult learning programmes are rated outstanding because it confirms the strong foundation for future success with our landmark Multiversity project, which will offer exciting new and flexible pathways to higher education and employment when it opens in 2027.”
The Ofsted report highlights how students and apprentices at B&FC benefit from industry-specialist tutors, innovative teaching methods and meaningful employer partnerships which have delivered an enhanced quality of training for apprentices and an increase in achievement rates.
It also commends that “leaders, managers, tutors and support staff know and care about their students and apprentices and want the best for them” and acknowledges a proactive approach to monitoring and improving attendance by ensuring that learners are fully engaged.
The report notes that learners gain essential workplace skills with outstanding examples including aeronautical engineering students mastering precision repairs, degree apprentices in management applying AI in recruitment and ESOL students developing skills for active participation in public life.
It adds: “Leaders have made rapid progress from the previous inspection and have dealt with almost all the areas for improvement identified.”
Simon Hughes, B&FC Principal, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted recognises the forward strides we are making and the positive impact that is having on the achievements and prospects of our students and apprentices.”
“We set very ambitious standards on the quality that learners, apprentices and employers should expect of us and this shows we are delivering them through a supportive and empowering culture for everyone.
“It was inspiring to see the inspectors’ comments about our personal development, leadership and management. To have independent confirmation that we are developing learners and equipping them to be adaptable and well-rounded citizens is a tremendous endorsement of what we see happening every day across our sites.”
Students’ personal development was a standout feature in the report. It highlighted learners actively participating in the community, taking part in meaningful work placements and engaging in enrichment activities to build confidence and resilience.
The inspection findings also recognised the college’s “effective individualised support” for students with high needs, including the use of assistive technologies and specialist therapies to enhance learning and independence.
Read the Ofsted report here
