: Gloucestershire College is a general further education college with 3 main campuses in Gloucester, Cheltenham and the Forest of Dean. At the time of the inspection, approximately 2,500 learners aged 16 to 18 years, 2,020 adult learners, 1,500 apprentices and 525 learners in receipt of high-needs funding were studying at the college. Two thirds of the provision is based in Gloucester. The college has a broad offer, encompassing a range of academic, vocational and higher education courses, and apprenticeships, from entry level to level 6. This includes study programmes (including T levels) for learners aged 16 to 18 years, Skills Bootcamps for adults, higher national diplomas, foundation degrees and degree apprenticeships. The focus of the provision is predominantly practical, professional, technical education and training. The college operates nationally, in devolved regions such as Manchester, London and throughout the West of England Combined Authority, providing courses for the unemployed or those in prison. The college takes the lead on the county’s Syrian refugee settlement programme, which has also been extended to include students from Afghanistan and Ukraine. At the time of inspection, the college worked with 2 subcontractors, both of which provide higher-level programmes, degree apprenticeships in cyber and engineering, and a level 5 higher apprenticeship in air traffic control. Principal : Matthew Burgess Lead inspector: Judy Lye-Forster, His Majesty's Inspector Team inspectors: Paul James, His Majesty's Inspector Michael Worgs, His Majesty's Inspector Saher Nijabat, His Majesty's Inspector Emma Leavey, His Majesty's Inspector Steve Battersby, His Majesty's Inspector Georgina Ager, His Majesty's Inspector Paul Manning, His Majesty's Inspector Sarah Alexander, His Majesty's Inspector Cliff Shaw, His Majesty's Inspector Rebecca Perry-Tomlinson, His Majesty's Inspector Sharon Dowling, His Majesty's Inspector Ramin Narimani, His Majesty's Inspector Facts and figures used on inspection The data was used by the inspector(s) during the inspection. More recent data may have been published since the inspection took place. This data is from 9 December 2025 Number of learners Total learners 6,545 Education programmes for young people 2,500 Adult learning programmes 2,020 Apprenticeships 1,500 Provision for learners with high needs 525 Percentage of learning aims successfully achieved Education programmes for young people Year This provider National average Compared with national average 2023/24 80 83 Close to average 2022/23 79 81 Close to average 2021/22 79 81 Close to average Adult learning programmes Year This provider National average Compared with national average 2023/24 86 87 Close to average 2022/23 85 87 Close to average 2021/22 89 86 Close to average Apprenticeships overall achievement rate Year This provider National average Compared with national average 2023/24 60 61 Close to average 2022/23 65 55 Close to average 2021/22 64 53 Close to average Apprenticeships pass rate Year This provider National average 2023/24 95 98 2022/23 92 97 2021/22 93 98 Our grades explained Exceptional Practice is exceptional: of the highest standard nationally. Other providers can learn from it. Strong standard The provider reaches a strong standard. Leaders are working above the standard expected of them. Expected standard The provider is fulfilling the expected standard of education and/or care. This means they are following the standard set out in statutory and non‑statutory legislation and the professional standards expected of them. Needs attention The expected standards are not met but leaders are likely able to make the necessary improvements. Urgent improvement The provider needs to make urgent improvements to provide the expected standard of education and/or care.