Kimberley College makes the grade

Kimberley Sixth Form College, in Stewartby, has been given a glowing report from Ofsted which rated its leadership, management, quality of teaching and learning as “Good” during a recent inspection.

It assessed student behaviour as exemplary, saying Sixth Formers demonstrated an excellent attitude to learning, show high levels of respect to their peers and teachers and attendance and punctuality are outstanding.

Year 12 student Keziah Turner starred in the College’s 2016 production of ‘Billy Elliot, the musical’.

She said: “Being a student at Kimberley I feel trusted and respected. There’s a sense of pride in the college and I feel like part of a community.

“Being involved in the musical theatre show Billy Elliot really made me step out of my comfort zone. 
“Taking the show to Bremen in Germany was a new experience and the opportunity really boosted my confidence and helped me develop my ideas about my future career aspirations.”

Ofsted’s assessment comes after Kimberley was rated the Top Performing Sixth Form College in Bedfordshire and ranked 20th in the whole of the country for top performing students in “The Sunday Times’ Schools Guide 2016.”

The watchdog said the college’s directors, leaders and managers have taken effective action to improve the quality of learning so that the large majority of students make good progress.

College principal,Tim Detheridge, said: “We have excellent facilities here at Kimberley but our greatest asset is our students and the quality of staff who commit themselves tirelessly to helping our young people develop their skills.

“We have already been rated as one of the top 20 Sixth Form Colleges in the country and this Ofsted report confirms the improvements that have been achieved.”

> Kimberley College is a free school sixth form centre run by Wootton Academy Trust, which also runs Wootton Upper School.