Bishop Burton College’s residential provision has had praise heaped upon it by the Ofsted team, its students and parents
A specialist college near Beverley is celebrating after being rated ‘Outstanding’ across all areas following its latest Ofsted inspection of residential accommodation.
Bishop Burton College – which has focused on agriculture, engineering, equine, animal management and sport for more than 70 years – received the glowing report this week. It was also heaped with praise by its students and parents.
Bishop Burton’s campus near Beverley, in East Yorkshire, has 150 under-18 residential students, and there are a further 24 at its sister college, Riseholme College, in Lincolnshire. The inspection report shines a light on the “exceptional quality” of the residential experience, the strength of safeguarding practice and the effectiveness of leadership and management at Bishop Burton.
Inspectors reported that the college “consistently exceeds the standards of good” and contributes to “significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for young people”, maintaining the Outstanding result it scooped in 2023. Students told inspectors they feel appreciated, respected and fully involved in college life, supported by a dedicated team of wardens and residential leaders whose relationship-based approach is deeply embedded.
The report also describes a vibrant community where every student is known as an individual, fostering a strong sense of belonging. One student said: “Wardens have helped me with my confidence and independence. I love it here.” Another described the wardens as “like second parents to me”.
Get all the latest headlines sent straight to your inbox for free with our newsletter. You can stay up to date with all the breaking news and top stories as they happen in Hull and East Yorkshire by clicking this link .
Parents, meanwhile, were also positive, with one commenting that residential staff are “like an extended family”. Opportunities highlighted by the inspection team included team sports and subsidised overseas expeditions, helping students to broaden their horizons.
Meanwhile, staff in student services were praised for providing support during challenging times, as well as wellbeing support whenever needed. The Ofsted team also found that the college’s safeguarding practice is exemplary, with inspectors noting a highly proactive and innovative approach.
They also commended “15-minute bite-sized” safeguarding briefings for wardens, describing them as an example of practice that could be shared nationally. Security staff were recognised for their meaningful relationships with students, and leadership and management were also judged Outstanding, with inspectors noting the scale and complexity of the college’s operations across two sites.
Governors were also recognised for their commitment and visibility, and inspectors highlighted the effective use of data to monitor and enhance residential students’ experiences.
Danny Metters, Principal and CEO of Bishop Burton College and Riseholme College, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Ofsted has once again recognised the exceptional standard of our residential provision. Our residential experience is at the heart of what makes Bishop Burton special, and this report reflects the passion, dedication and professionalism of our staff across both campuses.
“To see inspectors highlight our nurturing culture, meaningful relationships and innovative safeguarding practice is incredibly rewarding. Most importantly, the report shows that our students feel safe, supported and inspired here. That is the greatest measure of success for us.
“We will continue to build on this outstanding foundation and ensure every young person who lives and studies with us has the very best possible experience.”
Want to stay up to date with all the latest event news that’s happening in and around Hull? Well look no further. Sign up to our Never Dull in Hull newsletter and get all the latest news on gigs, food and days out sent straight to your inbox