1. A principal’s perspective - delivering success
Sara Mogel
West Cheshire College

2. West Cheshire College*
A specialist vocational college
Around 22,000 learners each year
High proportions of learners from areas of social deprivation.
Serving an area with a massive skills gap
Only 5% of 16-18s arrive in college with a GCSE above a C in English, maths and IT.
* - what OFSTED said.
From entry to HE and professional. Explain categories.
Half of English learners form area sin highest 20% on the index of social deprivation. Welsh students from area with highest levels of free school meals. Almost a third of adults in EP have no qualification. 42% of adults in Chester , 47% in EP and 48% in the Wirral had literacy levels at or below level 1.
GCSE proportions never above national average.
Last year over half got an EMA.

3. Ethos and values Every student should be a successful student
Whoever they are
Whatever it takes
A cultural approach which requires
buy in from all - leadership.
A distinctive vocational learning experience.

4. Our ‘rules’ Right course, right level, right support Know your student
Early, robust initial diagnostic assessment which is used
Beware of labelling!
Good teaching and learning designed around the student not the staff

5. Advantages
High calibre learning support and delivery staff well matched to learning
A whole staff approach – investing in training
Monitoring of needs to respond to change
Approach to Equality and Diversity and Safeguarding

6. What OFSTED said: “Learners enjoy college”
“Learners’ social and economic well-being are outstanding”
“Guidance and support are outstanding”
“Arrangements for identifying learners who need additional help and for providing personalised support are highly effective in removing barriers to learning.”
“Learners are provided with individualised support and excellent pastoral care from staff at all levels of the college”.

7. What learners like:
“The friendly, supportive and encouraging teachers, tutors and learning support staff
The personal challenges and additional activities that develop the skills to be independent in college and future life
That staff treat learners equally and fairly
The effort the college takes to ensure that learners feel safe
The peer-to-peer mentoring and support from other learners that help them deal with personal and health issues.”