The Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford have visited Writtle College today (30 May) to hear about the exciting educational opportunities offered to students.
Cllr Bob Villa and his wife Valerie met with Principal Dr Stephen Waite along with senior members of staff from the College’s Further Education and Higher Education courses.
Dr Waite said: “As an institution with a history stretching back more than 120 years, Writtle College is a well-known and highly-respected part of Chelmsford’s heritage. Since Chelmsford became a city, there has been renewed focus on its enterprising nature and vibrancy, which we are very glad to be part of.
“I’ve been delighted to show the Mayor and Mayoress around part of our beautiful 220-hectare estate and to update them with the inspiring courses we offer here to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in the modern world.
“Our specialist status and blend of Further Education and Higher Education courses means we have a diverse student community, from those studying straight from school to postgraduates, as well as international students from more than 50 countries, all within ten minutes of the city centre.
“With our Ofsted rating of good, our groundbreaking research increasingly being showcased in the media, our award-winning students – most recently at the Ideal Home Show 2014 - and our work to gain Taught Degree Awarding Powers, this is an exciting time at the College.”
Cllr Villa was taken on a short tour of the College, including one of the design studios which recently housed the Writtle School of Design Degree Show, featuring fascinating artworks, garden designs, interior designs and landscape architecture concepts from the College’s undergraduates and postgraduates. He was also shown the Library, which boasts a specialist book, journal and online collection to support the activities of students and staff.
The College showcased its recent Ofsted success, which saw it gaining a ‘good’ rating. Inspectors credited the achievement of students, with success rates increasing by 10% since the College was last inspected just over two years ago. The number of learners at Writtle College who successfully complete their qualification is at an all-time high with a 93% headline success rate, which puts it in the top-performing 5% of colleges in the country.
Cllr Villa, City Councillor for the Ward of Great Baddow West since 2011, said: “I was delighted to be invited to tour the facilities of the College and to meet with senior members of staff, whose dedication and commitment has been reflected in the Ofsted report and the successful academic results of students.”