Words by Ruth Martin and Ed King
The Hive College recently celebrated achieving an Ofsted rating of ‘Outstanding’. Students and their families, staff, and other stakeholders were delighted with the result of ‘Outstanding’ across all four key judgement areas following a three day full inspection in November 2023.
The Hive College currently has 120 learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) aged between 19-25 years and is part of the Education Impact Academy Trust (EIAT).
It offers three study programmes for learners, depending on their needs and aspirations, focused on employment and volunteering outcomes – as well as access to the community, to prepare learners for adulthood by encouraging them to be as independent as they possibly can.
Kim Everton, executive principal of The Hive College, said: “the college was confident going into inspection, but you always have that bit of self-doubt.
“We were elated, overwhelmed, and unbelievably proud to hear from the inspectors that what we do at The Hive is ‘Outstanding’.”
The report went on to state “learner’s behaviours and attitudes are exemplary”, that they are “kind and respectful to each other and their teaching and support staff”, and how they “thrive in an inclusive and harmonious environment.”
It further praised how staff at college have “developed an ambitious curriculum” and “use a range of activities before learners start college to gather rich and meaningful baseline assessments”, which enables learners to develop skills “significantly beyond” their target outcomes set out in their Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs).
For more on The Hive College visit www.hivecollege.org.uk