Godalming College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Short inspection of Godalming College

Inspection dates: 20 and 21 November 2024 Outcome Godalming College continues to be an outstanding provider. Information about this provider Godalming College is a 16-19 academy based in Godalming, Surrey. It became a 16-19 academy on 1 January 2018.

At the time of the inspection, there were 2,521 students in learning. Of these, 1,894 students were purely studying A levels, 111 were studying only BTECs and 498 were studying a mixed programme of A levels and BTECsEighteen students were studying a level 2 programme in preparation to progress to level 3. Six students were in receipt of high-needs fundingThe college offers 37 A-level coursesThe college does not work with any subcon...tractors.

What is it like to be a learner with this provider? Students value the very positive and welcoming community at Godalming College. They benefit from highly knowledgeable teachers who create very calm, orderly environments that allow them to focus on their learning exceptionally well. Students work hard in lessons, willingly participate in classroom discussions and are confident in their abilities.

Students enjoy their experience at the college and attend well. Students plan and manage their own studies very effectively. They respond to teachers' high expectations very positively in lessons and in how they approach independent study.

Students are highly motivated and studious and make excellent progress while they are at college. Students participate in high-quality work-related activities. Students value highly the opportunities staff provide to widen their experiences.

Leaders in A-level biology, for example, arrange for students to hear directly from employers such as the Animal and Plant Health Agency about the different career paths they could follow, such as becoming an epidemiologist. A-level psychology students benefit from hearing from university researchers and clinical and educational psychologists about their industry experiencesStudents develop a secure knowledge and understanding of skills relevant to their subject and its application in a range of different settings. Students know how to keep themselves safe.

Students benefit from hearing from professionals such as the police and health workers about the local and regional risks and the importance of driving safely. BTEC information technology students learn about cybersecurity and how to stay safe online. Students feel safe at the college and are confident that if they were to raise a concern it would be acted on appropriately.