LIPA Sixth Form College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings

This is an outstanding provider Governors have created a culture in which staff have very high expectations.

Consequently, students aspire to reach exceptionally high standards in their written work and practical skills. Leaders and managers have developed a well-planned project-based study programme in which students develop excellent creative skills. Students strongly develop their resilience, which prepares them exceptionally well for work within the performing arts industry.

Students benefit from consistently high-quality teaching from dedicated, inspirational and experienced tutors. Tutors are highly adept at helping students improve their English and mathematics skills. Studen...ts benefit significantly from an extensive range of additional activities, including masterclasses with high-profile professional musicians, actors, directors and dancers.

They frequently participate in live performances across the city and in national competitions. Staff have created an exceptionally positive and inclusive learning environment in which all students thrive and grow in confidence and ability. Almost all students achieve their qualifications, and many achieve merit and distinction grades.

Students receive outstanding impartial careers advice and guidance which help them make aspirational but well-informed choices about their next steps. The large majority of students who complete their study programme move on to higher education courses in conservatoires, prestigious dance and drama colleges and elite universities. Leaders and managers do not systematically collate and use the views of students and wider stakeholders to inform self-assessment and subsequent actions for further improvement.

Information about the provider

LIPA Sixth Form College is a small 16 to 19 free school established in September 2016. The college is situated on the same campus as the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). The college provides level 3 study programmes for students aged 16 to 19 years specialising in performing arts.

The college currently has 358 students. There are 190 Year 12 and 168 Year 13 students following diplomas and extended diplomas across vocational pathways in acting, music, dance and technical theatre and design. The unemployment rate in Liverpool, at 4.

4%, is slightly above the north-west rate of 4.1% and the England rate of 4.2%.

Within Liverpool, 4.1% of employees work in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector, which is above the average rate in England of 2.6%.