BURY College must rapidly improve the quality of its teaching, learning and assessment, according to a latest Ofsted report.

The further education establishment, based in Market Street, received an overall rating of ‘requires improvement’ from inspectors after their visit between January 16 and 20 this year.

The report, released on Monday, said too many students on AS- and A-level programmes do not complete their qualifications, achieve the grades of which they are capable or progress to the second year of their programmes.

And too few students, particularly those on academic programmes, benefit from meaningful external work experience to help them make informed decisions about their next steps or career options.

The report stated: “There must be rapid improvements in the quality of teaching, learning and assessment at the college, which are not of a consistently high standard.

“Too few teachers ensure teaching, learning and assessment meet the individual needs of students and apprentices.”

Inspectors also said assessments of students’ starting abilities are not effective in enabling teachers and assessors to set demanding targets to ensure all students reach their full potential, and data management is not effective in providing senior leaders, managers and governors with an accurate view of the progress that students and apprentices make.

‘Requires improvement’ is the second-lowest grading a school or college can receive from Ofsted. The report did praise the college for the way it works “very closely” with the local enterprise partners to ensure that the curriculum reflects regional skills priorities, and highlighted effective teaching, learning and assessment in English and maths.

Most students on vocational programmes make good progress and achieve the high grades expected of them. Adult students, particularly those on access to higher education programmes, make good progress and achieve their qualifications.

The report stated: “As a result, most adult students progress to higher education, jobs or further training, or become more active and confident members of the community.”

Charlie Deane, principal at Bury College, said: “Bury College continues to respond to the needs and requirements of its learners and stakeholders. Above everything, an aspiration to provide the best for every student lies at the heart of all that we do.

“We will build on the strengths that Ofsted inspectors recognised and we are already actively addressing the aspects that require improvement.

“I would like to thank our staff for their valued dedication and commitment to every learner. Our improvements will enable even more students to achieve their goals and progress to employment, university and further learning.”