College inflated achievement rates, says Ofsted

Burnley College has responded to an Ofsted report that has criticised it for inflating student qualification achievement rates. It follows the visits of inspectors to the college in March and May this year.

The Ofsted report said: “Inaccurate individualised learner records were submitted by the provider which inflated the qualification achievement rates for young learners on level 3 vocational and A-level courses. This misled key stakeholders, such as learners, parents and the local community about how well learners achieved.”

The report went on: “Although governors bring extensive professional expertise to the board, they have limited experience of the further education and skills sector.

“For too long, those responsible for leading and governing Burnley College did not question exceptionally high achievement rates or ensure that internal policies and processes were robust enough to manage the risk of inaccurate achievement data.”

In a statement responding to the report and its findings Burnley College said: “In relation to the issue of inaccurate individualised learner records, this was reported proactively by senior leaders and governors in the college, to the Department for Education and the FE Commissioner.

“The college acknowledges Ofsted’s findings and has already been reviewing its practices to ensure that anomalies are identified and investigated as quickly and effectively as possible and welcomes Ofsted’s input on such steps.”

The statement added: “Ofsted’s inspection has found that the college has improved or maintained its ‘good" or “outstanding” performance in almost all areas.

“We are particularly proud that Ofsted has rated the college ‘outstanding’ for personal development of learners, and ‘outstanding’ for adult learning programmes as well.

“The college continues to be committed to all learners and stakeholders in achieving their goals.

"Ofsted found that ‘learners and apprentices thrive, grow in character and broaden their outlook on life at college. They benefit from the nurturing and supportive environment that staff provide. Learners and apprentices have a sense of belonging and enjoy studying at the college’.”