Eastleigh College is enjoying a period of unrivalled success across Hampshire as 16-18 student provision continues to go from strength to strength.
In March the government’s national achievement rates were published which saw Eastleigh College confirmed as the best college in Hampshire for 16-18 student achievement. As such, the college has more 16-18 learners who finish their studies and pass their qualifications than any other sixth form or further education college in Hampshire.
Commenting on this unrivalled success Paul Stannard, Vice Principal (Quality), said: “High quality teaching, training and assessment has ensured that more students than ever have achieved their qualifications. Allied with sustained improvement in English and maths results has ensured that Eastleigh College graduates have the very best opportunity to pursue their future ambitions.”
However, achievement is only one aspect of an excellent college experience and Eastleigh continues to rightly pride itself on developing career ready students who are fully prepared for university, an apprenticeship or employment. In April, Eastleigh was confirmed as the first and only technical and professional college in Hampshire to achieve the new national Quality in Careers Standard. The standard is awarded by Investors in Careers and confirms that all Eastleigh students have access to excellent quality careers education, information, advice and guidance. The standard also confirms that Eastleigh meets or exceeds each of the eight Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance.
Commenting on how well the college prepares career-ready students Lou Gittens, Vice Principal (Curriculum), said: “I am exceptionally proud of the wider development of our 16-18 learners who have grown and developed over the time they spend with us. Support provided ensures our learners develop an excellent understanding of their career sector, and their possible paths to employment, apprenticeships or university”
Earlier this academic year the college’s 16-18 student success had also been recognized by the Association of Colleges with regards to student support, and employer engagement. In both categories Eastleigh achieved Beacon Commended status. Eastleigh is also currently shortlisted for the Times Educational Supplement FE Awards 2020 category for the outstanding GCSE resits provision award. This award is testament to the high quality of English and maths resit provision for students who don’t achieve a grade 4 in these subjects while at school.
Despite the challenges presented by covid-19 the college is well placed to continue this unrivalled success this year and beyond. Current students are receiving online lessons through teaching and learning delivered via Google Classroom, and Google Hangouts which the college was already using long before the disruption caused by coronavirus. Student welfare and support continues to be a major strength of the college which has remained open for those in need, and those whose parents are key workers. Every student is currently in the process of having their individual progression plans for next year discussed and agreed with staff.
New applicants for the 2020/21 academic year can also be assured that their place at Hampshire’s best college is secure. For those yet to be interviewed, staff will ask to see year 10 and year 11 reports, mock results and any GCSE or vocational courses already completed to inform decisions about all course and apprenticeship offers. Eastleigh staff are also working hard to support current year 11 learners prepare for college. Our lecturers have put together useful resources for practising the key skills learnt at school and then developing these further for specific college courses. All of the materials can be accessed for each subject here, and new materials will be made available fortnightly.
For those still yet to apply to Hampshire’s best college our online open events on Monday 8 June and Wednesday 8 July will provide excellent opportunity to learn more about the college. Attendance can be booked via Eventbrite. Applications can be made online before, during after the events.
