Bournemouth & Poole College has received an outstanding grading and a glowing report following an inspection of its residential provision by education watchdog Ofsted.

The three-day inspection, carried out in November 2023, found the College’s homestay accommodation provision to be outstanding in all areas with ‘overall experiences and progress of young people’, ‘how well young people are helped and protected’ as well as ‘the effectiveness of leaders and managers’ all receiving the highest possible grade across the board from the inspectorate.

Phil Sayles, Principal at Bournemouth & Poole College, said: “It is wonderful that Ofsted has recognised the hard work of the teams supporting students requiring accommodation. This is an excellent report from Ofsted which is testament to the exceptional work delivered by our residential team of student support and wellbeing teams, and academic staff, it really is a team effort. 

“We are committed to provide students with a comfortable and outstanding ‘away from home’ experience which aims to increase their knowledge, confidence and independence and it’s fantastic to be acknowledged by Ofsted.”

The College currently supports residential students, aged 16 to 20, who are enrolled on its renowned Specialised Chef Apprenticeship Programme. Approximately 75 per cent of students on this apprenticeship do not live locally to Bournemouth, Poole or Christchurch and require accommodation not only during their studies at the College but also during their employment during their apprenticeship. 

The prestigious Specialised Chef Apprentices are employed in some of the best hotels and restaurants across London and surrounding counties, including The Ritz, Claridge’s and in the Royal Household. This work placement gives students the opportunity to work away from home and reside in homestay accommodation or live-in facilities with their placement employer.

Debbie Smith, Assistant Principal People and Student Experience, added: “We are delighted that the incredible support and care our students and apprentices receive in our residential provision has been recognised as being outstanding. Our Specialised Chef scholarship programme is both prestigious and award-winning and our students and apprentices on the programme progress to many amazing jobs within the hospitality industry.

“We always have our students at the heart of all they do, and this result demonstrates the comprehensive and excellent support package that enables them to focus on their studies and develop their technical skills to the highest level while also growing in confidence, developing independent living skills, and training for the world of work.”

The Ofsted report states: “The residential accommodation at Bournemouth & Poole College helps young people to achieve excellent outcomes. Through diligent preparation and consistent support, the College helps young people to achieve their ambitions while on the specialised chef course. As a result of running this course for many years, the College has built and sustained an extensive network of restaurants. Because of the stability offered by accommodation, and support from the College, young people finish the course able to meet their future career goals. Most young people go on to gain full-time employment within the industry, often at prestigious restaurants.”

A full copy of the report can be read via: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/3/SC041848