It’s official . . . the best College in Scotland once again| 28.01.11
For the second time in 4 years, South Lanarkshire College, East Kilbride has been evaluated as the best college in Scotland. The full evaluation is published in a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) on South Lanarkshire College dated 28 January 2011.
HMIE report “full confidence” in all aspects of the college. They identify six points of “excellent practice” and “sector-leading and innovative practice”. These include the college’s focus on getting students into employment and its ground-breaking work in delivering new courses on low-energy, low-carbon approaches. HMIE are so confident in South Lanarkshire College that they have not set out a single main point for action for the college.
In the report, HMIE publish four unconditional statements of confidence.
“HMIE is confident that learners are progressing well and achieving relevant, high-quality outcomes. HMIE is confident that the college has in place high quality learning and teaching processes. HMIE is confident that learners are actively engaged in enhancing their own learning and the work and life of the college. HMIE is confident that the college is led well and is enhancing the quality of its services for learners and other stakeholders.”
In their summary of key strengths, HMIE take the unusual step of describing educational leadership and management in the college as “outstanding”. They praise leadership in teaching faculties and the wide range of services that support learners as “clear” and “very effective”. HMIE praise the college’s focus on supporting student success, stating that attainment rates are: “consistently very high and well above sector-average values”. Staff are praised for delivering effective learning and teaching and preparing learners well for employment. The report states that teaching staff and guidance tutors provide very effective on-course guidance and support and that an important feature of many full-time programmes is a period of very useful work experience for learners.
The positive ethos of the college is commended and the contribution of course teams highlighted in the role of actively listening to the views of learners, employers, statutory bodies and other stakeholders.
Overall the HMIE report represents the most positive evaluation they have published of any college in Scotland in their current 4-year cycle of reviews.
Katie McCall, Student President, said
“Taking part in the HMIE review process was a very positive experience. Students were given the opportunity to express their views about the learning and teaching process, assessment procedures, classroom and workshop resources and the general learning environment. I was present at the feedback meeting and it was good to hear the HMIE Review Team reporting so many good points and confirming what we, the students, already know ... our College is a great place to study!”
Stewart McKillop, College Principal said:
“I am very pleased with the HMIE report. No other college in Scotland has received such a positive HMIE report. It is a tremendous accolade for the staff in the College and a reflection of both the commitment and high quality of staff and also student work”.
Jane McCartney, the Chair of the College Board of Management, is delighted that HMIE has endorsed the Board’s view that South Lanarkshire College is delivering its vision. “It is clear that we are the leading provider of college education and training in Scotland”.
