‘An ambitious, progressive curriculum’ - Myerscough’s pride in glowing Ofsted report

Myerscough was visited by a team of inspectors from the education watchdog over several days in April, with the detailed findings now verified and the final report released.

In their judgement, inspectors said that Myerscough has a ‘supportive and inclusive culture is at the heart of its values’, and embodies ‘effective teaching strategies [that] build skills for a lifelong career, not just a job.’

Other highlights in the report, which you can read in full here, include:

A high quality curriculum contributes significantly to food resilience, sustainability and rural economic development

Learners develop extensive industry knowledge and skills

The college has an established supportive and inclusive culture

The curriculum aligns to local, regional and national skills priorities

The college has made significant investment in industry standard resources and leading edge technology

Learners are supported by challenging, individual targets

Tutors are well qualified and have relevant industry experience

Learners have positive attitudes to learning and are well prepared for their next steps

Learners feel safe and are confident staff deal with concerns swiftly and appropriately

Learners benefit from a welcoming and inclusive learning environment

High expectations are set for apprentices who are enthusiastic and highly committed to their studies

High needs learners develop confidence and independence which enables them to fully participate in college life, make sustained progress and achieve their aspirations

Learners are proud to study at Myerscough, and flourish in the supportive environment

Ofsted’s new framework came into being in November 2025, and replaces one overall grade with a report card showing separate ratings for a range of key areas.

In basic terms, ‘Expected Standard’ means the provider is doing everything it should, consistently and well. This is a high benchmark.

Areas rated as ‘Strong Standard’ meet all ‘Expected Standard” criteria, but the provider goes beyond expectations, delivering highly impactful teaching that makes a real difference.

These new ratings do not directly match the old “Good” or “Outstanding” ratings of the previous framework.

At the time Myerscough’s report card and full judgement were published this week, the college held the third strongest report in the country.

The Ofsted report recognises the college as achieving a strong standard or expected standard across all areas measured, in addition to meeting and exceeding standards of safeguarding of learners.

The inspection found several areas where Myerscough College is performing even better, at a strong standard, particularly in meeting skills needs for leaners across all study programmes, as well as the areas of curriculum and teaching, and participation and development of learners in apprenticeship programmes.

Myerscough College Chief Executive and Principal, Wes Johnson, said: ‘’I’m thoroughly delighted with the results of the inspection.

’’This is a true reflection of our mission and the culture, which we all work so hard to provide.

‘’The inspectors came to the clear conclusion that we are unquestionably outstanding in this area.

‘’The report recognises and acknowledges the hard work and commitment of Myerscough staff across the College and is further proof that we are an inclusive, and supportive college with high levels of student satisfaction, retention and achievement.’’

 

The glowing report follows Myerscough College’s residential provision for 16-18 year old students, which, under the social care framework, was rated as OUTSTANDING in an Ofsted inspection published in January last year.

In their summary judgement, inspectors said that Myerscough College provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good, and that the actions of the college contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for young people.