Hartpury College has retained its Outstanding rating, following an Ofsted inspection which took place from February 27 to March 1.

In its report released today (April 22), Ofsted revealed Hartpury College had been awarded an overall effectiveness rating of Outstanding in all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; education programmes for young people; adult learning programmes; apprenticeships; and provision for students with high needs.

The inspectors also concluded that the college makes a 'strong contribution' to meeting skills needs, which is the top grade possible.

Hartpury College has been Outstanding since May 2018, when it was inspected under a previous Ofsted framework. The updated framework makes the Outstanding rating even more challenging, and retaining it reflects Hartpury's ongoing commitment to uphold the highest standard of education and student support.

Hartpury College's strong contribution to meeting industry skills needs was a particular highlight of the report's conclusions. Leaders work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, employers and community groups, including the Hollie Gazzard Trust, Tallis Amos Group, Three Counties Vets, Woburn Safari Park, Western Arable, Team GB Sports and the Football Association.

Staff were praised for their exceptional work with employer representative body, Business West, and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), to understand the needs of employers.

Recent investment in capital and physical resources to meet gaps in digital skills in agriculture was highlighted as a good example of work with strategic stakeholders, including GFirst LEP, the Local Skills Improvement Plan and the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy. This approach ensures students gain vital employability skills and knowledge.

Hartpury College was also commended for its overall emphasis on preparing students for their careers or further study, highlighting the careers support and guidance on offer, as well as how most students study additional qualifications outside of their main qualification.

The curriculum was recognised as being well-planned, balancing theoretical and practical elements, and providing an opportunity for students to apply their learning and skills effectively through practical activities and in work placements. This included animal care students using the animal handling skills they're taught at college in workplace settings, including wildlife parks, dog spas, veterinary centres and kennels.

The report praised the college's recreational sports teams, which increase participation for every student, an integral part of college life alongside the highly acclaimed sports academies.

Inspectors observed a welcoming, respectful and inclusive culture where students of all ages, including those with high needs, expressed pride in studying at Hartpury College. They noted the exemplary behaviour of students, as well as their high attendance rates and strong commitment to their studies.

Inspectors found that students feel safe when studying at Hartpury College and safeguarding was recognised as a top priority. Inspectors said teachers 'skilfully' facilitate discussions around sensitive topics, so students can live safe and healthy lives. The report also noted 'active bystander' training for students, to help to raise their awareness of what is acceptable behaviour, and when and how to report something that does not feel right.

Professor Andy Collop, principal of Hartpury College, said: "Retaining our Outstanding rating is testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff, whose passion for what they do creates a dynamic learning environment for our students.

"While an Ofsted inspection can be an apprehensive process, I have full confidence in our team of teaching and support staff who are committed to helping students attain excellent qualifications, learn vital skills, and leave Hartpury ready for their next steps in life."

Claire Whitworth, deputy principal of Hartpury College, said: "I am incredibly proud of my team and of course all the students who contributed to this fantastic achievement! Retaining Ofsted Outstanding is testament to the incredible efforts of all our staff who make our Hartpury student experience what it is.

"They not only support students to achieve their main qualification, but also focus on the development of a plethora of employability skills and attributes, alongside advancing softer skills such as confidence and resilience, ultimately providing solid foundations for lifelong success.

"I would like to thank all the external stakeholders who we work with, for their ongoing support and commitment to Hartpury College and in helping us shape our offer for students.

"Finally, a phrase that I heard mentioned a few times over the inspection period was that 'the air at Hartpury crackles with positivity'. This, to me, really does sum up Team Hartpury."