MP praises improvements at Bideford College

Torridge and West Devon’s MP, Sir Geoffrey Cox KC, paid a visit to Bideford College last Friday to meet staff and students and to discuss the College’s progress.

In July, Bideford College was, for the first time, formally classified by Ofsted as 'good' in all areas including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

The MP was escorted around several classrooms by the Principal, Dr Clare Ankers, and Year 12 students, Tilly Lee and Bella Whatley, where he chatted with students and teachers.

Sir Geoffrey Cox said: “I try regularly to visit our local schools to meet staff and students and to discuss their progress. It also enables me to take up matters learned in these visits with the local education authority or with the Government. I was delighted to see the college at work again, to meet some of the staff and students, and to learn of the progress they are making, which Ofsted has recognised in its recent report by formally classifying it as a good school.”

He continued: “The dedicated teaching staff and the college leadership, who are obviously committed to raising standards and aspirations at Bideford College, have already achieved this notable accolade, and the improvements were evident to me during my visit. I strongly support them in that work.”