Highlands College validated as a “good college with outstanding features.”

Last month, a panel of business leaders, members of the Highlands College Governing Body, and staff from Children, Young People, Education and Skills, validated the college performance for the 2019/2020 academic year.The assessment process judged Highlands College to be “a good college with outstanding features.”

The panel judged Highlands College to be ‘outstanding’ in areas including apprenticeships, skills development, planning, operations, and the management of its financial resource.The panel also agreed that the College was ‘good’ in areas including: the quality of education provided; student entitlement, support and inclusivity; and its performance against strategic objectives.

Ahead of the panel meeting, the leadership team conducted a self-assessment. In most instances, the panel agreed with the initial assessment. In a few instances, they adjusted the grading up, following their own assessment.

Matthew Corbin, Chief Executive of BDO Group, said: “I was really honoured to be there, and to meet and hear from senior colleagues first-hand about the work of Highlands College, which is very impressive.” “This again confirmed my long-held view, which dates back to my own time at the College, that Highlands does an incredible job for Islanders, including students, employers, Government, and the community.

“The College’s excellent outcomes highlight the opportunity for its role to be further developed as a key element of driving future academic and vocational achievement in the Island, which in turn supports economic growth and productivity on a long-term sustainable basis.”

Principal of Highlands College, Jo Terry-Marchant expressed her gratitude for the commitment of staff, the support of employers and the faith shown in the College by parents. She said: “We are clear about our purpose; to support students to have healthy and productive lives and to work with employers to upskill and increase productivity. This informs everything we do.”

Assistant Minister for Education, Deputy Scott Wickenden, said: “The College continues to provide valuable professional, further, and higher education to hundreds of Islanders every year, and I’m pleased to hear that it’s once again been ranked so highly.”