Today Exeter College received a visit from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills, Sir Michael Wilshaw.

Sir Michael chose to visit the college to find out more about their experience of participating in a pilot inspection as part of Ofsted's consultation on changing the way further education and skills providers are inspected.

During the visit, Sir Michael spoke to students and staff to gather their views of the proposed changes as well as directly observing the good work that the college is doing to help students gain the skills they need for their chosen career. Sir Michael was also given a tour of the Centre for Creative Industries where he saw students' work from the Arts and Design department as well as Engineering, Automotive and Aerospace.

Thanking the college for its participation in the pilot inspection, Sir Michael Wilshaw said:

“Learning and skills providers have such an important role to play in supporting the economic recovery of our country. Good education and training is vital if our young people are to be equipped with the relevant skills that will not only help them to secure a good job but also compete in a global market.

“I am very grateful to Exeter College for taking part in the pilot process. We are currently consulting on important changes to the way we inspect and visiting the college and other providers has given me the opportunity to meet those within the sector to gain their views.

“It has been a real pleasure to see first-hand the impressive work of students at the college. Both teaching staff and students have been incredibly welcoming and I have learned a great deal from the day.”

Welcoming Sir Michael's visit, Principal of Exeter College, Richard Atkins said: “We are delighted that Sir Michael was able to see for himself some of the outstanding work of the college and to talk to students and staff. As the first college of further education to undergo a no notice pilot inspection in March we are keen to help Ofsted further develop the way education is assessed. We are very proud that the pilot inspection process was tested on us first and that his team of inspectors graded the college as outstanding in all areas. It is a sign of the confidence and hard work of our staff and students that such a spot check revealed outstanding teaching and learning and we hope that this further visit will help influence the way inspections in the future drive up education standards.”