Our College is “Outstanding”

We are excited to announced that we’re now Outstanding.

We were delighted to welcome Ofsted to our Royal College Manchester earlier this year and can now officially announce their verdict.

In their report, inspectors spoke of the exceptional level of education, care and support learners received and how our students were able to access a range of activities and residential trips.

Their full report is now on the Ofsted website and on our own website here. This news comes off the back of our Short Breaks service also receiving an Outstanding Ofsted inspection earlier this year. Thank you to all the hardworking staff who made this possible. They don’t do it for the recognition, but they deserve the celebrations and praise.

Inspectors said: “Learners have excellent opportunities to participate in the extensive enrichment activities such as choir, cycling, sports, swimming, rock band and horticulture projects. Learners attend residential trips where they participate in activities such as zip wire, rock climbing, canoeing and caving. Through these activities they develop their teamwork, independence and social skills…”

They also noted how Royal College Manchester helps prepare students for life after Seashell. Their report said: “Staff provide learners and their families with comprehensive information, advice and guidance about their next steps that closely align to learners’ career and life ambitions. This includes support and guidance about options available to them such as independent living skills, work experience and moving into paid employment. This prepares learners and their families exceptionally well for life after college…”

Our Royal College Manchester Principal Clare Sefton was rightly delighted at the news.

She said: “This exceptional achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work and passion of our staff, students and the entire college community.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition and will continue to build on our successes to ensure the highest standards of education and care for all those we support.”

Our college improved from ‘good’. Learners at the college are aged 16 to 25 and have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), some with complex health needs.

This news comes in the middle of an exciting few years for college. Seashell is currently part-way through a major redevelopment work at our site in Cheadle Hulme and this will include a brand new state-of-the-art building for Royal College Manchester. This work is due to be completed late 2025, with students and staff moving in in early 2026. Our Fundraising Team is currently raising £10m to support the funding of this building and has almost hit this substantial target.

If you’re interested in supporting this work contact fundraising@seashelltrust.org.uk or visit our Fundraising Page.