Ofsted report

Ofsted says Hartpury is an Outstanding College for Residential Students

Click here to read the full Ofsted report

Hartpury has once again been rated as outstanding by Ofsted and praised for the services and learning environment it provides for students living at the College.

Hartpury has almost 600 students in the 16-18 age range studying A-levels BTEC diplomas and Ofsted looked at student outcomes, the quality of services, the processes in place for safeguarding students and the overall leadership and management of the College. 

Last month Ofsted inspectors looked at services and outcomes for students under the age of 18 living on campus.  Its report has concluded that students feel safe, happy and proud of their College and have access to excellent support.

The inspectors graded all areas outstanding and concluded that services for students living at Hartpury are “exceptionally well-managed”.

Specific areas that were singled out for praise included:

• The strong relationship between staff and students and the “high expectations” the College has  for its students
• The security arrangements and good staff to student ratios that mean students feel safe
• The individual support available to students with the College counselling service singled out for praise by students
• The excellent and outstanding leisure, sport and extra-curricular activities for students

Residential A-Level student Ned Partridge, pictured above (centre) said: “It is my first time living away from home and it has worked out really well.  Most people here are like-minded and everyone is here to do something that they really enjoy.” 

A member of the rugby academy, Ned has to balance academic and sporting priorities. “We go to the gym in the morning, before lectures, and then we do training in the afternoons.  We have a study period in the evenings so we can make sure that we stay up to date with our academic work and do our homework.”

Hartpury College Principal, Russell Marchant, said: “I am proud to be Principal of a College that puts students at the heart of everything we do.   The most powerful endorsement we could ever hope for is for our students to recommend the College to others.  I am delighted to see Ofsted highlight the fact that our students ‘happily’ do this and feel fortunate to be living in such an amazing environment.”

Director of HR and Residential Services, Lesley Worsfold said: “Staff at Hartpury put students first and we are delighted that Ofsted have not only recognised this, but also said that Hartpury’s policies and practices should be shared with other Colleges.”

Vice Principal Further Education, Luke Rake, said: “We know the decision to live away from home at 16 is a big one for both parents and students.  What Ofsted recognised was how much students benefit from this choice.   In this exceptional environment at Harptury, students develop their confidence and independence, have outstanding opportunities to try new things and above all, achieve outstanding academic results.”  

Click here to read the 2009 report