Why Ofsted results matter to you?

Published: 14 March 2024
City Lit logo on the Keeley Street building

Ofsted inspectors rated City Lit as an Outstanding provider following inspection in May 2023. This is a great achievement which we are proud of as a college. But does this matter to you as student? Yes, and here’s why.

Results from the report

The Ofsted inspectors looked at five key markers to rate the effectiveness of the college.

Each of these markers was individually rated Outstanding, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Outstanding for the college.

1.     The quality of education - Outstanding

2.     Behaviour and attitudes - Outstanding

3.     Personal development - Outstanding

4.     Leadership and management - Outstanding

5.     Adult learning programmes - Outstanding

Overall effectiveness – Outstanding

Overall effectiveness at previous inspection (2016) - Good

Ofsted logo Ofsted logo
Ofsted Outstanding Provider

The Ofsted report is independent.

At City Lit, we always go the extra mile to ensure our students receive exceptional courses. We put great effort into planning and delivering the curriculum and ensuring the safety of our students. We’re always aiming to maintain high standards.

It's easy for us to make these claims, but it would be like grading our own work. The independence of the Ofsted report means that someone else has evaluated how we deliver our courses and confirmed that we are genuinely striving to meet our students' needs.

What else does the report say?

City Lit is a vibrant college community.

The report shows that attending City Lit has a positive effect on your well-being. Our students thrive and succeed because they are part of a lively community, learn new things, and make friends.

Learning from highly qualified tutors.

Our students are motivated and inspired because they learn from tutors that are experienced professionals and experts in their field. Our tutors have a genuine interest in the subject they teach.

Access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Learning at City Lit, you have access to the best equipment and professional-standard resources. Our Keeley Street main building, the Wellbeing Centre, and the Photography Studio all located in Covent Garden, are purpose-built and kitted out for delivering courses to our students. Together, these locations provide spaces and facilities for immersive learning experiences.

Learning motivates our students outside the college.

Our students are inspired and motivated to engage with their communities using the skills learned at the college. For example, our hearing and deaf ESOL students collaborated to raise money for a children’s charity; and our History students go on to volunteer in galleries, and museums and as guides on historical walks.

Tutors offer exceptional support for progression.

Our courses help equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to take the next step after you have completed a course. Whether it’s to go into work, volunteer, or continue learning. For example, we offer lots of support and interview preparation for students who wish to progress to university.

Safety and safeguarding

We take safeguarding very seriously to ensure your safety on your course. The Ofsted report highlights that our students feel safe and the safeguarding arrangements we have in place are effective.

We are absolutely delighted with the outstanding Ofsted report, which acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our entire community at City Lit. We are immensely proud of our staff, students, governors, partners and the wider community for their continued support and collaboration. It is an honour that we have been recognised as an exceptional institution.
Mark Malcomson CBE, Principal and CEO at City Lit

Read our results on the Ofsted website.

Read more about our recent Ofsted inspection in FE Week. 


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Why Ofsted results matter to you?