The Outstanding Teaching and Learning College

Loreto College has scooped "outstanding" in every category inspected by OFSTED in its recent inspection and been called "outstanding in every respect" by inspectors. It is the first and only college to achieve a completely outstanding profile within the present Ofsted framework.

The college was inspected by three of Her Majesty's Inspectors and seven Assistant Inspectors between Tuesday 10th November and Friday 13th November 2009. In the new, very rigorous, OFSTED inspection regime they described as "outstanding" Loreto's overall effectiveness, the most important aspect. In fact, the grade 1 description of "outstanding" was used thirty-five times, the maximum that any college can achieve, to rate the facilities and services which the college provides.

Every inspection now looks very closely at how subjects are performing. In an intense, four day scrutiny, inspectors noted that Loreto was "outstanding" in every subject they selected:

Science and mathematics: grade one for chemistry, biology, physics, maths
Arts, media & publishing: grade one for art, 3D Design, graphics, photography, textiles, media studies, film studies, dance, music, drama
Language, literature & culture: grade one for English language, English literature, English Language and literature, French, German, Spanish, Classical civilisation
Business, administration & law: grade one for business studies, accounting, law

The inspectors were very impressed by the students and noted that they "make an outstanding contribution to the wider community. Large numbers give their time freely to support charitable causes, fund raising and social activities which promote social responsibility and global awareness. Their generosity, tolerance and respect for each other are exemplary."

College principal, Ann Clynch CBE, said: "I am delighted that Loreto has been recognised as outstanding.

Loreto is the first college to bring in a complete set of outstanding grades in this new round of inspections. The new OFSTED inspection is very demanding and it was good to see that our examination results and our student support systems stood up to the intense scrutiny. Our staff work very hard to get the best out students. This report recognises the quality of the educational experience that Loreto students receive".
The Key Results Were

Key Result	Grade
Overall effectiveness	Grade 1
Capacity to improve	Grade 1
Outcomes for learners	Grade 1
Quality of provision	Grade 1
Leadership and management	Grade 1
Safeguarding	Grade 1
Equality and diversity	Grade 1

The Subject Grades Were

Subject Area	Grade
Science and mathematics: grade one for chemistry, biology, physics, maths	Grade 1
Arts, media & publishing: art, 3D Design, graphics, photography, textiles, media studies, film studies, dance, music, drama	Grade 1
Language, literature & culture: grade one for English language, English literature, English Language and literature, French, German, Spanish, Classical civilisation	Grade 1
Business, administration & law: grade one for business studies, accounting, law	Grade 1

Talisman reports Loreto success

Loreto’s learners are exceeding the national average. And the quality of education provided by this Manchester college has been judged outstanding by Ofsted in every respect, proving that putting high expectations on students and staff to succeed really works. Read more extracts from the Talisman article.