St John’s College Brighton Retains Good Ofsted Rating
Mon 05 Aug 2024
St John’s College in Brighton has once again proven its excellence by retaining its good rating following an Ofsted inspection in June. This specialist college, located on Walpole Road, caters to young people aged 16 to 25 with autism and learning disabilities, offering both day and residential programmes. Since last September, the college has been operated by the national charity Ambitious About Autism.
The Ofsted report commended the college for its ambitious leadership and collaborative culture, which fosters high aspirations among learners. Inspectors highlighted the broad range of activities provided by the staff to support personal development and prepare students for adult life exceptionally well.
The report noted, “Learners are polite and respectful. They greet unfamiliar people courteously and appropriately. Nearly all move around the college purposefully with minimal support from staff. In class, they encourage each other to participate in discussions and answer questions. They have a very positive attitude towards their learning, appreciating its purpose and benefit.”
The inspectors also praised the effective use of assistive technology to support communication and learning. They emphasised that students are well-prepared to take an active role in society, understanding important topics such as healthy relationships and consent. Staff ensure that learners recognise the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and understand the importance of consent.
Principal Karen Grist expressed her delight at the Ofsted findings, stating, “We are very pleased that Ofsted has recognised the work taking place at St John's College to help our learners be themselves and realise their ambitions. The inspectors' report highlights the work of our brilliant staff team in ensuring learners feel positive about learning new skills and preparing for adulthood. I would like to thank our whole college community for their hard work and support.”
The report also acknowledged the close collaboration between school leaders and governors to ensure continuous development and improvement of the college. With such a dedicated team and supportive environment, St John’s College continues to be a beacon of hope and excellence for young people with autism and learning disabilities in Brighton.
Image: St John's College