2nd July 2026
Ofsted recognises the progress, culture and learner experience
We are proud to share the findings of our latest Ofsted inspection, which confirms that Kendal College now meets the expected standard across all areas and recognises the significant progress we have made across teaching, learner support, leadership and curriculum quality.
Most importantly, the report reflects the experience our learners have every day at Kendal College - an environment where they feel supported, respected and motivated to succeed.
Inspectors recognised the positive culture that exists across our college, the quality of teaching and learning and the opportunities available to help learners achieve their ambitions and progress to successful futures.
"Learners and apprentices value being taught by knowledgeable tutors in welcoming environments. They appreciate the college's warm and collegiate culture where they establish firm friendships and positive relationships."
For us, this report is recognition of the hard work, commitment and dedication shown by our staff, learners, governors, employers and partners over recent years.
What Ofsted recognised
Our inspection identified a number of strengths across the college:
A supportive and welcoming environment
We are committed to creating an environment where every learner feels safe, respected and supported.
Inspectors recognised the positive relationships that exist across the college and the welcoming culture that helps learners develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging.
Knowledgeable tutors and high-quality learning
Our learners benefit from being taught by experienced and knowledgeable tutors who bring expertise, passion and industry insight into the classroom.
Inspectors recognised how learners develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to achieve their goals and progress confidently to their next steps.
Learners who are motivated to succeed
The report highlights learners and apprentices who are polite, respectful and ambitious.
We are proud of the positive attitudes our learners demonstrate every day and the high aspirations they have for their futures.
Strong employer and industry partnerships
Working closely with employers is central to our approach and we are proud that inspectors recognised the strong partnerships we have developed with businesses and organisations across the region to ensure our curriculum reflects local and regional skills needs.
Through industry projects, work placements, apprenticeships and employer engagement activities, our learners gain valuable experience and develop the skills employers are looking for.
Preparing learners for successful futures
Everything we do is focused on helping learners achieve their ambitions.
Whether progressing to university, an apprenticeship or employment, we aim to provide learners with the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
The report recognises the work we are doing to support positive progression and prepare learners for the next stage of their journey.
Investing in opportunity and aspiration
The inspection comes during an exciting period of investment and development for Kendal College.
This includes the transformation of our Westmorland Campus, creating a modern learning environment for all our learners and expanding opportunities for young people across our region.
Alongside our growing A-Level offer, technical qualifications, T Levels, apprenticeships and specialist vocational programmes, we continue to provide a broad range of pathways that enable learners to choose the route that best matches their interests, strengths and ambitions.
We work closely with local schools, careers leaders and employers because we believe every young person should have access to clear information, meaningful opportunities and the support they need to make informed decisions about their future.
"This report reflects the experience our learners are having every day across Kendal College and the dedication of our staff in creating an environment where people can thrive. We are proud that inspectors recognised the supportive culture, high expectations and positive relationships that exist across the college. Our ambition is simple: to be the best place to study and the best place to work in our region. Through continued investment in our facilities, curriculum and people, we are creating more choice, more opportunity and clearer progression routes for learners across Cumbria. While we are pleased with this outcome, we remain focused on continuous improvement. There is still more to do, but this report gives us a strong foundation as we continue raising aspirations and outcomes for our learners and communities."
Jason Turton - Principle
Looking ahead
This report is an important milestone in our journey, but it is not the destination.
We remain committed to continually improving the experience we provide, raising aspirations, supporting achievement and ensuring our curriculum meets the needs of learners, employers and our communities.
Together, we will continue building a college that creates opportunity, inspires ambition and helps every learner achieve a successful future.
You can read the full report here.
