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SAM, from Congleton - studying Music, Theatre Studies, English Literature
"I came to College with very few people from my school but the friendly atmosphere at Sir John Deane’s made it easy for me to make new friends, mainly from my music class because we all have the same interests. In Music we have so much fun whilst learning and take part in many concerts. All the teachers are wonderful and treat you like young adults rather than children."
‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report confirms SJD’s place among England’s top colleges
SIR John Deane’s College has been awarded the highest possible grade in its Ofsted inspection – placing it among the top colleges in the entire country.
The sixth form college, which takes A Level students from across Cheshire, was graded as ‘outstanding’ in all six areas inspected covering:
- Effectiveness of provision.
- Capacity to improve.
- Achievement and standards.
- Quality of provision.
- Leadership and management.
- Equality of opportunity.
It marks a fantastic achievement as SJD celebrates its 450th anniversary year and prepares for a £26million investment in new buildings within the campus.
College Principal Andrew Jones said: “The report reflects the hard work and dedication of teachers, support staff and governors – as well as the enthusiasm and commitment of our students.
“The inspectors were full of praise highlighting the college’s challenging and innovative approach to teaching and our strongly shared ethos that places students and their success at the centre of all college activity.”
Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) visited SJD earlier this year and published their report recently.
In it the college is described as an outstanding place to study.
The inspectors commented: “Achievements and standards are outstanding. Some students achieve outstanding results, for example, the top five position in a subject nationally, achieving sporting excellence, or overcoming personal disability in order to achieve academic success.”
The inspectors applauded the management team and teachers saying: “Leadership and management are outstanding – the principal gives strong leadership in promoting a culture of improvement, achievement, aspiration and equality of opportunity for students and staff alike.
“Teachers are good at conveying the excitement, challenge and enjoyment of their subject to students. Students respond to this with enthusiasm, commitment and a sense of enjoyment.”
The college, in Monarch Drive, Northwich, was also commended for its support for students.
The report added: “Care, guidance and support are outstanding. Transition and induction arrangements are very well planned. Students settle into college life quickly. All issues around students’ learning and welfare are monitored carefully. There is excellent and speedy support for students in need of additional support.”
Sir John Deane’s College is consistently ranked within the top 10 sixth form colleges in the country when A Level results league tables are published.
The Ofsted report recognised this saying: “The GCE A Level success rate is consistently high, being in the mid-nineties in both 2006 and 2007. Very few subjects had success rates which were not at or above 90%. In 2006/07, 49% A Level entries achieved grade A or B, significantly above the national average.”
Andrew Jones added: “Students, parents, staff and governors have played a part in the college’s success – and we are proud to uphold the fine reputation SJD has enjoyed for many years.
“Because the College is committed to further improvement even from such a strong base, we are currently finalising plans for a £26million new building project, intended to ensure that future generations of students here continue to be as well served by our buildings and equipment as their predecessors have been. These plans will enable a substantial upgrading in the resources available to students and we look forward to continued success in the future.”
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