THE Scottish Further Education Funding Council has gone out of its way to support Shetland College, following a less than flattering report from the local authority that has responsibility for it.
A college inspection by HMI, on behalf of the funding council, found that 84 per cent of the aspects inspectors looked at in five different subjects at Shetland College were good or very good. These subjects represented 60 per cent of the college’s provision.
In an unusual move David Wann, deputy chief executive of the funding council, said pointedly: “I am pleased that Shetland College has been able to maintain the quality of learning and teaching provision for its students despite the problems highlighted in a recent report by Shetland Islands Council. This is a testament to the dedication of the staff at Shetland College.”
The report had accused the college of failing to set “measurable objectives” and of being “not specifically focused on identified market need”.
Inspectors also undertook a college-wide review covering seven aspects of its operation. Again the funding council issued a supportive comment which said that “in general the results of this review were also good”.
Two areas - guidance and support for learners - were found to be very good, while staff and quality assurance were described as good. But access and inclusion arrangements, educational leadership and quality improvement were rated as fair.