Shrewsbury Engineering Department Celebrated in Outstanding Ofsted Report
Shrewsbury Colleges Group is proud to celebrate the national recognition of its Engineering Department, as a key part of the college’s recent Ofsted inspection in March 2025, which resulted in an overall Outstanding judgement. The Engineering team was highlighted as a shining example of the college’s excellence, reflecting the dedication of the department to high-quality teaching, student success, and strong industry links.
The inspection team praised the college for fostering a “calm, purposeful and positive learning environment” and noted that “students are taught by highly skilled industry experts and experienced, qualified academic staff.” This approach is particularly evident in the Engineering classes, where students benefit from hands-on experience, expert guidance, and access to industry-standard equipment and progression opportunities.
The inspection team also praised the departmental staff: “Leaders have designed highly ambitious curricula that go beyond the requirements of the qualifications to ensure students and apprentices develop the specific skills needed for their next steps. Level 3 engineering technician apprentices learn to use a wide range of testing equipment in bespoke testing bays and experience robot welders and the use of 3-D printing to enhance their knowledge and skills.” They also noted that “Teachers and assessors ensure apprentices develop high-quality, industry-specific skills that they apply to the workplace. They work well with employers to ensure that the skills apprentices develop are relevant for the future workplace, as well as current employer and industry needs.”
James Staniforth, Principal and CEO, commented, “We are absolutely delighted by this result. The recognition from Ofsted confirms what we already knew – that our Engineering provision is among the very best in the country.”
The department plays a key role in the college’s ‘Strong’ contribution to local, regional, and national skills development – the highest possible grade for this judgement. This reflects the department’s extensive partnerships with employers, including engineering firms across Shropshire and the West Midlands, ensuring students are equipped with real-world skills and career-ready knowledge. The department’s strong focus on individual progress, alongside technical and academic excellence, prepares students for successful careers in a range of engineering sectors.
The Ofsted inspection team also pointed out that the college strongly contributes to meeting skills needs. Leaders have a very comprehensive understanding of local, regional and national skills needs. They are steadfast in their desire to provide an extensive curriculum that meets skills priorities and supports the acquisition of highly relevant skills and knowledge for all their students and apprentices. For instance, leaders have introduced higher-level modular courses in priority areas such as engineering, construction, digital, leadership and management.
The team also highlighted that ‘teachers and assessors ensure apprentices develop high-quality, industry-specific skills that they apply to the workplace. They work well with employers to ensure that the skills apprentices develop are relevant for the future workplace, as well as current employer and industry needs.’
Students at the college were also praised for their behaviour and attitude, with inspectors stating, “Students behave impeccably well and are enthusiastic about their learning.”
Chair of Governors Joycelin Hoyland added, “Our Engineering Department is one of the many college departments that embodies the college’s mission to deliver outstanding education and training. The staff’s expertise and commitment have rightly been recognised as sector leading.”
The department’s exceptional reputation is further reinforced by numerous student successes at WorldSkills UK, where Engineering students brought home multiple gold medals – a testament to the outstanding practical training and expert mentorship they receive.
With demand for skilled engineers growing across the UK, Shrewsbury Colleges Group is proud to be setting the standard and shaping the future workforce through its Outstanding Engineering provision.