Sefton 6th Form College Achieves Outstanding Ofsted Rating

SEFTON 6th Form College has been recognised in its latest Ofsted inspection for exceptional education and A-level success, ranking a:-s 1 of only 2 'Outstanding' 6th Form Colleges in Merseyside, and:- 1 of 6 in the entire North West, including:- standalone and further education-based Colleges.

The Litherland based A-level provider, part of Hugh Baird College, offers a wide range of A-levels and BTECs for School leavers up to the age of 18. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, personal development, and career progression, the College equips students for success in higher education, degree apprenticeships, and beyond.

Inspectors commended the College's ability to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. They noted that:- "Students are taught ambitious curriculums that give them the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in learning and life," focusing on helping students systematically build on their prior learning.

The inspection, which took place from:- 26 November to 29 November 2024, highlighted the impressive academic achievements of A-level students at Sefton 6th Form College. Ofsted observed that:- "A-level students make good progress from their starting points, and over 2/3 achieve A* to C grades. Furthermore... Almost all A-level students gain places at their University of choice."

In addition to academic excellence, the College was recognised for its nurturing and inspiring environment. Inspectors noted:- "Leaders and teachers create calm, purposeful learning environments" where students can flourish. The College also provides:- "Highly valuable opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations," ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.

Sefton 6th Form College was also praised for fostering confidence and independence in students. Ofsted highlighted that:- "Students rapidly develop their confidence, resilience and independence because of highly effective teaching, extensive support, and participation in life-enhancing experiences."

These experiences are further enriched by a robust curriculum enhancement programme, enabling students to engage in meaningful activities beyond the classroom.

Campus Principal of Sefton 6th Form College, Deborah Faulkner, said:- "We are delighted that the Ofsted report recognises the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. At Sefton 6th Form College, we prioritise providing an exceptional education that empowers students to succeed academically, develop resilience, and pursue their aspirations. This report affirms our efforts to create an environment where every learner can thrive."

Deputy Principal, Sonia Stirling, added:- "The inspectors highlighted how students benefit from ambitious curriculum that equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in learning and life. They also commended the:- 'calm, purposeful learning environments' our staff create, allowing students to build their confidence and independence. These comments reflect our commitment to ensuring that every student has the tools, opportunities, and support needed to reach their full academic and personal potential."

Rachael Hennigan, Principal and Chief Executive, concluded:- "This inspection outcome builds on the outstanding A-level exam results recently achieved by our students, with a 99% overall pass rate and two thirds securing high grades of A to C and the majority gaining places at their 1st-choice Universities. Sefton 6th Form College has a vital role in providing high quality A-level education for students in the Sefton area and beyond. We are incredibly proud of the progress and accomplishments of our students and staff. Our commitment to excellence is driven by the belief that every student deserves access to an education that helps them achieve academically and prepares them for a bright future. From the dedication of our teaching staff to the breadth of enhancement opportunities, the offer at Sefton 6th Form College enables students to reach their full potential."

To find out more and download the full report, visit:- SeftonSixth.AC.UK/Ofsted.

Government confirms major Hospital building programme for North West

THE Government has confirmed funding and a realistic timetable to deliver 4 major Hospital building projects in the North West as part of the New Hospital Programme (NHP). This credible timeline for delivery will ensure that staff and patients have access to the facilities they desperately need around the country as soon as possible.

It follows a review of the scheme which found that the previous Government's commitment to deliver:- '40 new Hospitals' by 2030 was behind schedule, unfunded and therefore undeliverable.

In its annual report, published last week, the Infrastructure Projects Authority (IPA) also deemed the previous scheme:- 'unachievable,' rating the programme as red and highlighting major issues including with the schedule and budget. An independent IPA review upgraded the New Hospitals Programme from a red to amber rating last week, thanks to action taken to improve deliverability.

Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary, said:- "The New Hospital Programme we inherited was unfunded and undeliverable. Not a single new Hospital was built in the past 5 years, and there was no credible funding plan to build 40 in the next 5 years. When I walked into the Department of Health and Social Care, I was told that the funding for the New Hospitals Programme runs out in March. We were determined to put the programme on a firm footing, so we can build the new Hospitals our NHS needs. Today we are setting out an honest, funded, and deliverable programme which confirms the construction of four major Hospital projects across the North West, including the rebuild of Leighton Hospital in Crewe, a transformation of North Manchester General Hospital, and improvements to the Royal Preston Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary."

The new plan will be backed with £15 billion of new investment over consecutive 5-year waves, averaging £3 billion a year:-

• Wave 0:- Schemes already in construction.
  

• Wave 1:- Construction to begin between:- 2025 to 2030.
  

• Wave 2:- Construction to begin between:- 2030 to 2035.
  

• Wave 3:- Construction to begin from:- 2035 to 2039.

The schemes in the North West include:-

• Wave 1 (construction 2025 to 2030) - Leighton Hospital, and North Manchester General Hospital.
  

• Wave 3 (construction 2035 to 2040) - Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Royal Preston Hospital.

Morag Stuart, Chief Programme Officer for the New Hospital Programme, said:- "This announcement by the Department of Health and Social Care provides certainty on the next steps for the New Hospital Programme. We will continue to work with local NHS organisations to deliver improvements to Hospitals across England, including making best use of new technology and improving layouts – and ensure future Hospitals are designed to meet the needs of patients and staff."

The New Hospital Programme is just 1 part of the Government's wider commitment to transforming the NHS estate. Over £1 billion has been set aside to make inroads into the existing backlog of critical maintenance, repairs and upgrades, while £102 million has been dedicated for upgrades to GP surgeries across England as a 1st step towards transforming the primary care estate.

This refreshed and honest direction for the New Hospital Programme will transform the provision of Hospital healthcare, to build an NHS fit for the future in the North West.