Chichester College principal gives review of the year

In her review of the year, principal Shelagh Legrave said there had been a number of notable achievements. Among these were receiving the European Framework for Quality Management (EFQM) for excellence at five-star level, the highest level possible.

Mrs Legrave said the college had said goodbye to three members of staff, who combined, had given 74 years to the college. These included former principal Richard Baker, deputy principal John Bates and director of quality Colin Whitaker who all retired.

She said that Richard Parker gaining the CBE had been wonderful recognition of the college’s work and testament to his great leadership.

Mrs Legrave said the college continued to improve the percentage of students who achieve their qualifications, with vocational areas being particularly strong. Many had produced outstanding results, such as its construction area which proved exceptional in raising its success rate by 24 per cent over three years and last year sitting nine per cent above the national average.

The college’s work with employers had continued to grow, with the number of apprentices and their success rates were significantly above the national average.

International student numbers were growing, with new opportunities to work abroad.

Last year pass rates were 92 per cent, two per cent up on the national average, while the percentage of students who finished their course was 90 per cent, again, two per cent more than the national figure.

Last year’s results included 22 A-level subject with 100 per cent pass rates, 43 A* grades and 19 per cent of students achieved A* or A grades.