Sixth form rated as a credit to Felpham College

Christine Jones reported the curriculum among the 188 older students was well-taught and offered an increasing range of qualifications.

Progress was better in the more popular subjects, such as maths and media studies, and students appreciated the college's work for them and their links with the staff.

"Leadership and management of the sixth form are good and there are real strengths in the drive to include students in the active evaluation of all aspects of provision," said Ms Jones.

She rated the overall effectiveness of the college as satisfactory.

She reported: "The students benefit from good care and support and appreciate the opportunities available to them.

"As a result, many are maturing as responsible, committed and lively

members of the school community. This is reflected in good relationships and mostly positive attitudes to learning."

She praised the college's use of its status as a specialist college for maths and ICT. "Specialist status has had a strong impact on school life," she said.

"For good example, good work in information and communication

technology and mathematics with pupils in primary schools supports their effective transition to secondary school."

Healthy lifestyles and staying safe on the internet were well understood by pupils, she stated. Some parents' concerns about behaviour were not borne out around the college.

But she warned lessons which did not seize the imagination of pupils could lead some to talk too much and disturb others.

She praised the commitment and drive of staff to do their best for their pupils. However, she said more could be done to improve the education on offer.

More-able students should be challenged to reach higher standards, all middle leaders should contribute fully to raising achievements and all aspects of community cohesion should be promoted effectively.

Ms Jones's report was published a month after she and three other

inspectors spent two days at the college in March.

Headteacher Peter Cook said: "The report is fair and the inspection team were both challenging and supportive.

"The team reflected that the present Year 11 are 'well on course' and that Year 13 shows an 'improving trend'.

"In response to the report, the college is going to target more-able students to ensure they reach the highest grades possible."

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