Gateshead and Newcastle Colleges praised by Ofsted

Jul 15 2010 by Nicola Juncar, The Journal

TWO North East colleges have been highlighted as outstanding in a national report published by Government education watchdog, Ofsted.

Gateshead College and Newcastle College’s Intraining Group are among 12 work-based learning providers in the country to have been judged “outstanding” by inspectors.

The colleges are praised in the report for the way they deliver apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications for young people and adults.

The report was published yesterday by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert at the Association of Learning Providers (ALP) annual conference.

She said: “These providers display a real drive to inspire, challenge, and support young people and adult learners.”

Gateshead College began offering work-based learning programmes in November 2002 when provision was transferred from Gateshead Council.

Richard Thorold, principal of Gateshead College, said: “This is an outstanding result not only for the college but for the region. The board of governors and the whole team of staff at the college are extremely proud that all of our dedication, skill, hard work, vision and ambition have been recognised.”

The Intraining Group was established in March 2008 as a division of the Newcastle College Group (NCG) who acquired large parts of Carter & Carter, a national training company, which had gone into administration.

Dame Jackie Fisher, chief executive of Newcastle College Group said: “I think the secret to our success is that we uphold public sector values while operating very much in line with best business practice from the private sector. Everyone has worked so hard to gain our outstanding status and it’s an achievement to be recognised by Ofsted.”