Chichester College Group receives top marks from Ofsted for outstanding apprenticeship and adult programmes

Chichester College Group has been rated ‘outstanding’ for apprenticeships and adult programmes and received a ‘strong’ skills rating.

Chichester College Group (CCG), which includes seven colleges—Brighton Metropolitan, Brinsbury, Chichester, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Northbrook, and Worthing—has received high praise from Ofsted following an inspection in February. This was the first inspection since the group’s most recent merger in August 2022. 
 
The group was awarded an overall rating of ‘Good’, with its apprenticeship and adult provision receiving ‘Outstanding’ judgements in the report published today (2 April 2025). 
 
CCG was also recognised as ‘Strong’ for its contribution to meeting regional skills needs, the highest possible grading. The report highlighted group leaders’ ‘exceptional understanding of the skills landscape for the regions they serve’ and noted that the group is ‘highly successful at aligning the curriculum with skills priorities.’ 
 
Ofsted inspectors commended the provision for adult learners across various courses, stating that they ‘benefit highly from excellent training that helps them to succeed and transforms their lives. The education and training adult learners receive has a profound impact on their personal and professional development.’ 
 
CCG’s apprenticeship programmes were also praised, with inspectors noting that apprentices ‘enjoy high-quality training’ while developing skills and behaviours valued by employers. The report recognised that ‘apprentices perform exceptionally well at work. They achieve extremely well in their final assessments and often gain promotion as a result of their studies.’ 
 
Andrew Green, Chief Executive Officer for Chichester College, said: “We’re extremely proud of our Ofsted report. To achieve two ‘outstanding’ judgements, ‘strong’ for skills and a range of ‘good’ judgements is incredible. 
 
“The ‘strong’ grade is the highest possible rating for skills and reflects the phenomenal work that our teams do in collaboration with our employers, stakeholders and communities to drive economic prosperity and social cohesion. It is recognition that we do that exceptionally as an anchor institution for our region. 
 
“The whole report highlights high standards that we operate at, and how that is really driving achievement and success of our students. It was phenomenal to see our staff being recognised throughout the report for their work. 
 
“Our staff go above and beyond every single day for our students. They give everything to our students, and I am so proud to see their commitment recognised by Ofsted. 
 
“This rating gives our students, employers and local communities an assurance that they are in very good hands when they study or work with us.” 
 
Ofsted also applauded the college’s inclusive and welcoming culture, stating that students ‘benefit from teachers who are knowledgeable and experienced in their subjects and use their knowledge to successfully bring their subjects alive.’  
 
Staff were celebrated for their ‘strong understanding of learners’ needs’ and provision of tailored support, with Ofsted noting that they ‘make sure learners progress confidently towards their individual outcomes.’ 
 
The inspection was carried out by a large team of 27 inspectors over four days and covered all seven colleges across 10 campuses. 
 
To read the full report, click here