Exeter College's Michael Caines Academy has been featured in a best practice case study jointly released today by Ofsted and the Commission on Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning (CAVTL). The feature has been published on the Ofsted website, as part of a package to promote examples of excellent practice in vocational teaching and learning.

The case study shines a spotlight on the Michael Caines Academy founded by Michael Caines MBE – a past student of the college and now governor as well as Michelin starred chef and restaurateur, an initiative that has been running since 2011.

This features as one of ten case studies from across the vocational education and training system, to highlight key characteristics and distinctive features of vocational teaching, learning and leadership. A panel of experts selected the organisations to feature comprising of commissioners from CAVTL, Ofsted, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, and the Institute of Education in London.

This resource provides practical materials for colleges, training providers and employers looking to embed innovative approaches to their delivery of vocational teaching and learning and improve learner outcomes.

Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College said “We are delighted to have been selected to be included in this best practice showcase. We work hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for our learners and we hope that by reaching a wider audience this example helps others to achieve similar results. We are committed to recognising the expertise of our teaching staff- it is a dual profession – teachers are expert trainers and also specialists in their industry, which brings benefits because it helps to create a learning experience with a clear line of sight to work. We are proud that this case study demonstrates the benefits which this brings to learners”.

Tricia Pugsley, head of Hospitality and catering said “The students not only gain vocational skills from this training, but because of the way we work with employers and industry they come away with a clearer understanding of the skills needed for the work place and a genuinely more visible route into employment”.

Commenting on the national profile of the Academy, Michael Caines said “I'm delighted that the Commission were able to see at first hand how this Academy provides a fantastic opportunity for young people who can demonstrate a real passion for the hospitality industry. The Academy drives and inspires the students to achieve the highest level of excellence and they gain experiences like no others, making this a unique experience for the most passionate and ambitious.”

The case studies were compiled in response to It's about work…, the CAVTL report on excellent vocational teaching and learning, which identified the sophisticated processes of design and delivery which characterise excellent vocational provision, based on the importance of ensuring a clear line of sight to work.

Jenny Williams, Director of Vocational Education and Training at The Education and Training Foundation said “The work we do at the Foundation is sector led. We are driven by a set of principles to ensure we meet the needs of the workforce, focus on the impact on the learner and learning outcomes, and build on existing good practice and resources. This case study enables us to work towards our commitment to implement the recommendations highlighted in the CAVTL report. I hope that the case studies support organisations to develop their vocational teaching and learning practice and help to improve outcomes across the sector”.

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