A HAMPSHIRE sixth form college has been told it must improve following its latest Ofsted report.

Richard Taunton Sixth Form College in Southampton has not been successful in ensuring the quality of teaching, learning and assessment needed, according to the Inspector.

At its previous inspection the school, which has nearly 1,400 learners, was rated ‘Good’ overall.

But in the 2017 report, Ofsted stated that there were a number of problems.

These included student attendance, particularly in GCSE English and maths, and that students’ achievements and progress in relation to their starting points have not improved sufficiently over the past three years.

However, the inspector did say the college’s provision for 14 to 16-year-olds was good, as is personal development, behaviour and welfare.

Principal Alice Wrighton, said: “Of course we are disappointed with the overall grading. However, we are encouraged by comments from the inspectors who are clear that the college is moving in the right direction.

“Inspectors confirm that by accelerating our existing approach, we will remain on track to achieving our desired outcomes.

“This is a temporary setback and we will continue to deliver on our mission.”

Richard Taunton College offers a range of academic and vocational courses on one site with a new, small off-site course for sport.

In a statement, Richard Taunton said: “The latest Ofsted report for Richard Taunton Sixth Form College speaks highly of the action the college is taking to raise standards of teaching, learning and assessment, and to improve in-class progress monitoring.

“In addition, the report speaks very favourably of the behaviour, and confidence levels, of students as well as the significant number of students who progress onto higher education, apprenticeships and full-time employment.

“Despite these strengths, and exceptionally strong scores from the most recent student Learner Voice survey (benchmarked against 90 other colleges), the inspectors say that the rate of progress made in some areas is too slow.

“They assert that the college needs to sharpen its focus on improving the consistency of feedback to students, setting more challenging tasks for the most able, ensuring greater focus on the progress that students make in-class, and increasing attendance.

“As a result, the college was awarded an overall grading of ‘Requires Improvement’.”