Sir Martyn Oliver visits Heart of Worcestershire College as part of West Midlands tour

Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) was delighted to welcome Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, on Wednesday 9th September as part of his tour of the West Midlands.

During his visit, Sir Martyn had the opportunity to meet students and staff and see first-hand the breadth of education and training on offer at HoW College.

His visit included time with T Level Health students, where he saw the practical and technical skills being developed to prepare learners for careers in the healthcare sector. He also visited catering and electrical students, as well as meeting Level 1 learners and seeing the support and opportunities available to students at the beginning of their journey. Part of his visit included visiting National Star which offers specialist education to support young adults with disabilities in building independence and life skills.

 Sir Martyn Oliver said: “Heart of Worcestershire College’s commitment to young learners, alongside its strong and inclusive approach to education, helps students develop the resilience and skills they need to thrive. It was fantastic to see first-hand how the college is supporting learners to reach their full potential.”

Michelle Dowse, CEO & Principal at HoW College, said: “We were delighted to welcome Sir Martyn Oliver to HoW College as part of his tour of the West Midlands. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we’re all about and introduce him to our inspirational students and dedicated staff. We’re so proud of the role HoW College plays in improving lives through learning and it was wonderful to have Sir Martyn recognise the commitment of our students and staff to achieving their full potential.”

The visit follows HoW College’s latest Ofsted report, which recognised the College as achieving a strong standard or expected standard across all areas. The report highlights the continued commitment to delivering high quality education, outstanding support for learners, and meaningful partnerships with employers and the wider community.

The inspection in March found several areas where HoW College is performing at a strong standard, particularly in its contribution to meeting skills needs, its inclusivity, and participation and development for learners with high needs. Inspectors praised leaders for significantly strengthening partnerships with employers and stakeholders ensuring the college is recognised as an anchor institution across Worcestershire.