Holy Cross College’s partnership has been recognised during Edge Hill University’s recent Ofsted inspection - Edge Hill becomes the only English university graded Ofsted ‘outstanding’ in all three teacher training age phases

Edge Hill University has become the only higher education institution (HEI) in England to be rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted across all three teacher training age phases.

The University was awarded the highest grade for ‘overall effectiveness’ across primary, secondary, and further education and training – inspectors judged the quality of education, and leadership and management to be outstanding.

The sector-leading news recognises the commitment of Edge Hill - the largest initial teacher education (ITE) provider in the North West - to deliver the highest quality education and support for its trainee teachers.

Holy Cross College and Edge Hill have been working in partnership for over 10 years. We offer a lifelong learning pathway in Bury, Greater Manchester, where learners can access Edge Hill’s Education programmes including foundation degrees, teacher training programmes and Master’s provision. Learners can access this unique portfolio at Holy Cross College, where Faculty of Education staff from Edge Hill teach the programmes.

Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Associate Dean, Edge Hill University said:

“Our partnership with Holy Cross College is a longstanding and highly valued part of our provision and we are delighted that our recent Ofsted inspection recognised the outstanding quality of our Primary Initial Teacher Education programmes delivered there and on campus at Edge Hill.

“We firmly believe in the transformational nature of education and the importance of this being available in local communities to meet local need. I would like to thank the college for their unwavering commitment to our partnership and to the students they serve.”

Bury Times:

Carina Vitti, Principal, Holy Cross College, said:

“Our students benefit greatly from the outstanding learning experience offered by Edge Hill University working alongside our staff in the University Centre here at Holy Cross College. We are proud to be part of such a wonderful partnership which delivers provision of the highest quality for our students.”  Carina Vitti (Principal, Holy Cross College)

Dr Jane Moore, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Education for Edge Hill, said: “Everyone in the Faculty of Education is entirely committed to the transformational power of education, for every learner from early years onwards, and for their families and communities.

“We work hard to provide our trainees on campus and at our partner, Holy Cross College with the highest quality preparation and to ensure they are confident, curious and compassionate in their future careers. We are also privileged to work with hundreds of like-minded partners, the schools, colleges and other settings who share our belief in social justice and refusal to settle for second best.

“Integral to this judgement is the everyday commitment and support we receive from our partner settings, schools and colleges, in particular the dedicated mentors who support and challenge our trainees while on professional placements and we are very proud that this has been recognised in the report too.”

Many trainees have spoken proudly about how their ITE programmes have “transformed their thinking as new teachers”.

Michael Hope, PGCE Primary Education with QTS, said:

“The Holy Cross Campus really created a great community.

The course has been brilliant in learning how to teach and to plug in the gaps in my knowledge. It has been great to have the lecturers come over and teach as if we were in Ormskirk. The extra layer of support from the Holy Cross mentors has been a great asset too.

Overall, the course has been brilliant.”

Click here to find out more about training to be a teacher at Holy Cross College.

*The “only English university” statement was accurate at as of February 2024.