Dinnington: College rated ‘Good’ with outstanding features

The Ofsted inspection report covers the college’s large Rother Valley Campus on Doe Quarry Lane in Dinnington, where students can learn everything from construction to horticulture, animal care, media and performing arts.

Inspectors said two of RCAT’s departments, construction and visual and performing arts, were ‘Outstanding’.

The site, formerly Rother Valley College, was beset by problems in the mid 2000s.

RCAT had not previously had a ‘good’ rating in the 21 years since it split from local authority control in 1992.

Gill Alton, who arrived as principal and chief executive in 2010, said: “This brilliant outcome is not just great for the college, but a further massive boost for education in Dinnington and Rotherham and efforts to take the areas forward.”

“In awarding these grades, Ofsted are confirming that not only are Dinnington and Rotherham students performing above the national average, but our tutors and staff are delivering excellent learning and support that helps our students move on in their careers, into jobs or onto higher education courses such as degrees.”

Ofsted also commented on ‘improved facilities and learning resources to benefit students’ as a result of £15 million investment by the college.

And it said ‘staff and students show high levels of respect for each other’.

In the construction department inspectors said resources were excellent, allowing students to ‘develop very high levels of skills’ and maintain ‘outstanding links with employers’.

Praise was given to progress into higher education within the made by students in the visual and performing arts department.