WARRINGTON’S Priestley College has met the international standard for organisations that provide information, advice and guidance.
The college was praised by the matrix standard inspector for the support and impartial advice it offers its 2,000 students on everything from careers to health and wellbeing.
Among the college’s many strengths, he said, was its impressive partnerships with employers, universities and local schools.
In his report the assessor said Priestley had made “major strides in helping the wellbeing of students”.
Assistant principal Mark Eccleston said: “To receive this seal of approval is something we are very proud of as a college.
“In particular we are delighted the inspector acknowledged that, despite everything that has happened over the past year, we have continued to successfully prioritise the futures and wellbeing of our students.”
During the four-day inspection more than 60 members of staff were interviewed as well as 16 students and three partner agencies.
The inspector also analysed the college-produced literature handed to students, parents and carers.
Ian Edge, one of Priestley’s dedicated careers advisers, said: “The support we offer is delivered by a range of teaching and specialist staff. It begins with our work in schools, runs through a student’s time with us and continues to enable them to make their next successful step after leaving Priestley.”
The matrix standard is used by the government to ensure organisations provide the highest quality information, advice and guidance.
When making a judgement, assessors consider not just the processes an institution has in place, but the results that are achieved.
Priestley College passed all six benchmarks for the accreditation and all 27 sub-sections of the criteria to a high standard.