Ofsted Information

Report highlights The Henley College's success in supporting learners and meeting skills needs.

The Henley College is celebrating what its principal has described as “a brilliant result” following their recent Ofsted inspection: The College was judged ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for its support for high needs students, stating that they “make excellent progress and flourish”

Inspectors praised its high-quality education and inclusive environment, noting the College’s commitment to learner support and meeting regional skills needs.

The Henley College's dedication to the well-being and support of its students was recognised as exemplary; learners spoke highly of the “excellent support” they receive from both academic and pastoral staff, who help them stay on track and make effective progress. The report also highlighted that “All learners value highly the well-being team, whose members provide swift support and guidance.”

Those students with high needs are well-supported with an individualised approach, helping them to reach their potential.

Ofsted also commended leaders and teachers for their clear rationale in developing the curriculum and understanding learners' needs. They use this information to shape the curriculum effectively, ensuring learners develop the necessary skills for their futures.

Working with partners including the Oxford Local Enterprise Partnership, the College has a clear understanding of local and regional skills needs, adapting its curriculum to align with skills requirements in the region. This proactive approach ensures that learners receive relevant and up-to-date education that prepares them for the evolving job market.

The recently implemented 'skills builder' program helps learners become aware of and develop valuable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, supporting their career ambitions.

Students, parents, and staff have expressed their pride and pleasure at this judgement, including parent Liza Canneford, whose son Lucas attends the College, said: “Henley college provides the perfect balance of autonomy and support for students transitioning from the structure of school to the independence of further education.

 “The Henley College team are caring, considered, and supportive. I’m delighted with the progress my son has made in his first year.”

Expressing her delight at the report, Satwant Deol Principal/CEO of The Henley College described it as “a brilliant result” and said: “We are immensely proud of the achievements highlighted in the Ofsted report. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our exceptional staff, the support of our parents, and the hard work of our talented students. We remain committed to providing the highest quality education and supporting our students' aspirations as they progress. As a result, learners are well prepared for their next steps and move on successfully to further study, apprenticeships or work."

Student Lucas Webb, age 17 from Chinnor responded to the news, saying: The Henley College has been the most amazing experience. Teacher and staff support is genuinely amazing.

“The level of care shown to students is brilliant. As a student who requires extra support, I've found that teachers really care and are fully willing to support me in my studies."

“I'm amazed with my experience at The Henley College and would recommend it to my friends.”

In response to the news, 17-year-old student Rosie Burton of Twyford shared her thoughts: “I have really enjoyed my first year at Henley, it was hard to feel at home when I started, but I made friends quickly, one of the first things I noticed was how attentive my teachers were.”

Rosie is on target to achieve her predicted grades of AAA in her A-levels next summer plus an A in EPQ, an outcome she believes would not have been possible without the support of her college and her tutors: “the quality of teaching here is very high, I'm glad I made the jump to college rather than staying on at school."

Her mum, Natalie Burton, adds: “My daughter attends The Henley College and I have been so impressed with the quality of teaching and support that she receives. They deserve this great report from Ofsted.”

The College has grown its student numbers by 19% since 2019 and, thanks to a government grant received in 2021, has built new specialist teaching areas to accommodate the growth. According to Higher Education Statistics Agency Data, the College performs very well in terms of the outcomes for its students, with 98% of its students progressing onto positive outcomes in 2022*.