Marine Society College has been judged ‘good’ (grade two) by Ofsted across all categories.
The education watchdog carried out an inspection in September, and published its report today (Thursday 19 October). In three years, the Marine Society team has worked hard to take the college from an ‘inadequate’ rating in 2014, to ‘requires improvement’ in 2016, and now a ‘good’ provider.
Inspectors found that: “Leaders and managers have a very clear and well-considered strategy to support seafarers to improve their education and to progress in their careers,” while noting that: “Leaders, managers and staff have taken successful and effective actions to improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, and the outcomes for learners.”
Other comments included:
"Staff understand very well the complexities of learning and working at sea and give good advice to learners to help them choose suitable courses."
"Managers have designed and implemented the curriculum very well. Learners have access to a variety of courses that develop the skills they need to become officers in the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy."
"Learners have high aspirations, enjoy their learning and take pride in their work. They produce work of a good standard."
"The vast majority of learners who achieve their qualification remain in employment, secure promotion and/or take up further learning."
Marine Society’s Director of Lifelong Learning, Mark Windsor, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the Marine Society College, for our seafarers and our staff who have supported them. I am so proud of my team and I am grateful to those within the charity and beyond who have supported and encouraged us.”
