Queen Mary's College

Latest Ofsted report for QMC – The Best Yet

‘Outstanding’ is a recurring theme in the latest Ofsted report for Queen Mary’s College, which followed the Inspection in May 2010. In all, thirteen aspects of the work of the College were characterised in this way, with a further nine being described as “good”
Inspectors highlighted a variety of areas for particular praise, and described both the progress that students make on advanced level courses, and the care, guidance and support that students receive at QMC, as “outstanding”.

The clear emphasis that the College places on inclusion and on ensuring that the needs of all young people in the Borough and beyond are met was praised. The Lead Inspector concluded that “The college’s approach to meeting the needs and interests of learners is outstanding. It provides challenging and stretching opportunities for students with higher entry profiles. For example, students intending to enter medical schools and Oxbridge are offered a tailored curriculum”. Inspectors were particularly impressed by the very high pass rates in maths and science: “Examples of exceptional attainment are numerous and include students winning 37 medals in the United Kingdom Mathematics Challenge in 2008/09”.

The high quality of teaching and learning were also praised, including the use of learning technology “which is used to involve and inspire learners”. Inspectors were particularly impressed by the college’s buildings and facilities, including the recently opened Spectrum Building, and they described them as “outstanding”.

Inspectors also commented on the very positive experience of students attending Queen Mary’s: “Students feel completely safe around the college which has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. They talk enthusiastically, with good reason, about the ease with which they have made the transition from school and the way in which the college listens to, and acts upon, their views”.

The overwhelming message conveyed by the report is that the culture that is fostered by the college successfully translates into the provision of individualised programmes and support for all students which help them to develop the skills required to progress into higher education and employment. The Inspectors were in no doubt as to the strengths that such a culture imbues: “As a result of the high standard of their work and the strong development of independent learning skills, students are equipped very well for further study and employment. The extent to which they are able to make informed choices about their own health and well-being is excellent and they make an exceptional contribution to the college and the wider community, including raising money for local community groups”.

The report acknowledges the importance of QMC within the Borough: “The college makes an outstanding contribution to the wider community through its partnership work. It collaborates very successfully with a wide range of partners to enhance opportunity, participation, aspiration and achievement for its own students and the wider population”

Queen Mary’s Principal, Stephen Sheedy said, “As you might imagine, I have read a great number of inspection reports and I can honestly say that I cannot think of one that speaks so warmly of a combination of outstanding care, support and guidance for students and the degree to which their aspirations and achievements are raised, no matter what level of attainment they start college with, from those who have struggled with learning to those who are en route to Oxford or Cambridge or other very demanding areas of Higher Education.”