We are proud to have been rated Good in our latest Ofsted inspection (March 2023), with Outstanding recognition for both Adult Learning Programmes and Provision for Learners with High Needs.
The four-day inspection in March 2023 was the first since the merger of Peterborough College and Stamford College to form Inspire Education Group in 2020. The inspection covered all aspects of provision across our campuses and curriculum offer.
Ofsted inspectors awarded the following grades:
Overall Effectiveness: Good
Quality of Education: Good
Behaviour and Attitudes: Good
Personal Development: Good
Leadership and Management: Good
Education Programmes for Young People: Good
Adult Learning Programmes: Outstanding
Provision for Learners with High Needs: Outstanding
Apprenticeships: Requires Improvement
What Inspectors Said
“The college makes a strong contribution to meeting skills needs. Students and apprentices enjoy their time at IEG and demonstrate a positive attitude to their education and training. Staff at all levels care passionately about the wellbeing of their students. Leaders and governors have high expectations of staff, students and apprentices.
Students and apprentices enjoy their time at IEG and demonstrate a positive attitude to their education and training. Staff at all levels care passionately about the wellbeing of their students. Leaders and governors have high expectations of staff, students and apprentices"
— OFSTED, 2023
Strategic Strengths Recognised by Ofsted
Inspectors praised our commitment to the communities and employers we serve, highlighting:
Employer-responsive curriculum: New and expanding programmes in engineering, logistics, and green technologies — including partnerships with the RAF and the Road Haulage Association.
Supported learning pathways: Ambitious, inclusive provision for high needs learners with strong outcomes and progression into work.
Strong leadership: Clear vision and high expectations from both the Executive Team and Governors, with an unrelenting focus on quality improvement.
A Message From our CEO
“Peterborough College and Stamford College have been rightly recognised as fantastic places to study and work and is testament to the hard work of our students and staff. We are particularly proud of the ‘Outstanding’ grades awarded to our Adult provision and High Needs provision, which demonstrates our innovation, excellence and the positive impact we have on our students and communities. We are 100% focused on further developing our apprenticeship provision, which we recognise is not at the standard we expect and which has been materially impacted by the difficulties to recruit specialist lecturers and assessors, particularly in Engineering and Construction.”
— Rachel Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer, Inspire Education Group
Our Commitment Going Forward
This inspection outcome reflects the hard work of our students, staff and partners — and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive and impactful education. We remain focused on continuous improvement, particularly in our apprenticeship provision, to ensure that all learners thrive and progress.
Our vision is to be an exceptional learning organisation, empowering your future.
Our mission is to transform lives through inspirational and innovative learning.
Learn how we’re taking our Ofsted success forward through bold, ambitious priorities for growth, inclusion and employer engagement.
We support employers to develop their people and their organisations. We strive to make a positive contribution to the prosperity and wellbeing of our diverse communities.
