What rating did Reaseheath College receive following its Ofsted Residential Inspection (2025)?
Ofsted rated the residential provision for 16–18-year-olds as ‘Requires Improvement to be Good.’ While we are disappointed by this outcome, we remain fully committed to providing excellent residential provision. The College has consistently received ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ ratings in previous inspections, and we have implemented significant improvements since our last review.
Why did the College receive this rating for its residential provision?
The overall rating was influenced by concerns about the extent of safeguarding support provided to a very small number of students. While the College had already taken steps to strengthen its safeguarding systems, Ofsted found that some of these new processes were not yet fully embedded. All concerns raised by inspectors were immediately addressed during the inspection. Further details can be found in the Ofsted Post-Residential Inspection Plan – Mar 25.This plan is a work in progress and will be continually updated as progress continues to be made.
Were any safety or safeguarding issues found?
Ofsted did not find any serious or widespread failures that resulted in students’ welfare not being safeguarded or promoted. However, the inspection identified areas where safeguarding processes, while in place, needed to be more consistently embedded across the residential provision.
Importantly, many of these improvements were already under way before the inspection as part of our ongoing focus on strengthening safeguarding and student support.
We are confident that the actions we are taking — such as clearer recording practices, enhanced training, and stronger oversight — are addressing these areas.
Additionally, 98% of students said they feel safe in our most recent student survey, reflecting the strength of our student-staff relationships and the positive culture within our residential community.
What is the College doing in response to this outcome?
We have already developed an Ofsted Post-Residential Inspection Plan – Mar 25 outlining the specific actions we are taking to address all points raised. Some improvements have already been implemented, and we continue to review our processes to ensure they fully meet the needs of our residential students. The plan be continually updated accordingly as progress continues to be made.
Have parents/carers and students been informed?
Yes, we have communicated directly with parents/carers of under-18 residential students and all students via email, providing a link to the Ofsted Post-Residential Inspection Plan.
Was there any positive feedback from Ofsted? Yes, Ofsted highlighted several strengths in our residential provision, including:
- Students feel happy in residential halls, have positive experiences, and make friends.
- Students said they have a clear system they can use to access help if they need support, including out of hours support from the Student Support Services. They speak highly of residential staff and feel well cared for and supported. Feedback gathered through surveys shows that students feel comfortable and confident talking to staff and trust they will listen and help.
- Students new to residential life are welcomed through careful and considerate planning to ensure their individual needs are met. The Freshers Crew provides a buddy system, which helps new students to understand campus life and settle in quickly.
- The residential environment is safe and secure, with effective security and identity card systems in place to ensure students are accounted for. Staff understand and apply clear protocols when students are not in halls by curfew.
- There is a wide variety of clubs, groups and enrichment activities for students to get involved in. Students are regularly consulted about what they would like access to, and where possible these suggestions are implemented. They also benefit from access to a recently refurbished on-site gym and common room.
- Students’ views are listened to through the Student Union and student council, influencing positive changes to the residential experience. The Student Union President is a member of the College’s Quality Standards Committee, where they provide student input alongside senior leaders and governors.
- The College actively builds relationships with students’ parents and carers and seeks their views on the care provided.
- Additional needs are well supported through the Special Educational Needs Coordinator, who ensures comfortable living arrangements and reasonable adjustments where needed.
- Students receive guidance on safeguarding topics and life skills.
- There has been a recent restructure of the residential staff team to improve the student experience. Staff understand their roles and responsibilities, and their focus is on ensuring students feel supported, heard, and safe.
- Residential staff feel well supported by leadership and receive regular training to protect student well-being.
- Governors demonstrate a strong understanding of safeguarding and student well-being. The Chair of Governors works closely with the College’s designated safeguarding leads and takes these responsibilities seriously. They also contribute to residential planning and oversight through their involvement in the Quality Standards Committee.
What happens next?
Ofsted will conduct a monitoring visit approximately six months after the inspection to assess our progress against the recommended actions. While this visit will not change the inspection grade, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate improvements. A full reinspection will take place within two years.