East Durham College Curriculum, Quality and Standards Committee 6th November 2025

H Driscoll (Chair), A Brennan (virtual), S Bullock, M Anderson, T Brown (Staff Governor 

C Briggs (Vice Principal) 

J Lanagan (Assistant Principal) 

A Grainger (Director of Quality) 

S Pritchard (Clerk to the Corporation)  

Apologies received from S Laverick. 

H Driscoll to chair meeting.  

None 

The minutes were accepted as a correct record save that HD’s interest should be noted as “HD declared her role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of Sunderland”. 

The actions arising in the minutes were noted and an update was provided to the meeting on the proposed timescale for addressing them. 

The committee noted that it was being asked to consider progress made and the final position of the QIP for 24/25 and the evidence to support the draft grades for the report.  The Vice Principal presented the report to the committee and responded to queries raised. 

Self Assessment Report (SAR) 2024/25 

Action: To add reference to national rates in the covering paper and break down combined scores for maths and English to ensure greater transparency in future reports (but it was noted that many categories had already been broken down further in the 25/26 report). 

Data Tables 

The committee meeting adjourned to consider the validation of the self-assessment report for 2024/25, during which LL (Landex) SW (Newcastle College) contributions as critical friends were formally thanked. 

In light of the discussion on the validation of the SAR for 24/25, the committee reconvened. 

It was noted that there had been good performance in the year and a positive report and improvement in many outcomes, but that there was further work to be done to work towards outstanding.  

The committee recommended the following proposed grades to the Board which reflect the previous year’s self-assessment and the May 2024 Ofsted inspection, other than the outstanding grade for apprenticeships. 

Overall effectiveness: Good 

The quality of education: Good 

Behaviour and Attitudes: Outstanding 

Personal Development: Outstanding 

Leadership and Management: Good 

Education Programmes for Young People: Good 

Adult Learning Programmes: Good 

Apprenticeships: Outstanding 

Provision for Learners with High Needs: Good 

Skills: Strong 

The review of the Appeals Against Assessment Decisions Procedure was brought forward in the agenda.  It was noted there were updates to terminology but no substantive changes.   

The chair queried whether specific grounds for appeal should be included in the policy and it was clarified that the college uses 28 awarding organisations and uses their grounds for appeal and will reject those that will not be considered.  The approach to managing appeals was discussed.  

Approval: The committee approved the Appeals Against Assessment Decisions Procedure.