City College Plymouth

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Short inspection of City College

Plymouth Inspection dates: 11–12 March 2020 Outcome City College Plymouth continues to be a good provider.

Information about this provider City College Plymouth is a large general further education college. It is the largest provider of education and training for young people in Plymouth, with over 2,700 learners between 16 and 18 years oldThe college also has over 1,100 apprentices based in the local areaNearly half of these are between 16 and 18 years oldAround half of all apprentices are on apprenticeships in engineering. In 2019/20, over 3,000 adult learners have followed courses, mainly in access to higher education, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), English and m...athematics.

Over 150 learners with high needs attend the college. This number has increased significantly in recent years. The college works with three subcontractors in the local areaThe largest of these is Achievement Training, which is owned by City College PlymouthThis provides education, training and apprenticeships for adults and young people.

At the previous short inspection in March 2016, the college was graded good. What is it like to be a learner with this provider? Learners feel safe because staff care for them and provide them with effective support when they need itStaff understand the personal circumstances their learners faceThey use effective links with external agencies to support learners wellLearners work hard and most achieve their potential because : staff use their extensive knowledge and experience to make the courses highly relevant to the careers their learners want to pursue. For example, painting and decorating trainers draw on their extensive commercial experience when teachingThis motivates apprentices who progress well because they understand the link between the knowledge they are taught and its application in the workplace.

Learners gain an insight into the industries they want to move into because teachers and leaders have built excellent relationships with local employers. This ensures the content of courses reflects current practice. For example, in hospitality, the content of the curriculum reflects current trends in local pub menus and street foodLearners in sport receive more training on coaching because of the increase in jobs for fitness trainers.