Testimonials
- "We had a very positive experience working with Countec, whose staff are friendly and always willing to help make the process as clear as po...
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Ofsted Praises iPEC
iPEC has been judged by Ofsted to be meeting its aims successfully as an independent school. The quality of iPEC's innovative education programme is satisfactory overall with many good features including student personal development, behaviour, welfare and health & safety.
"We are really encouraged by the Ofsted report,” said Tom Bulman, General Manager of Countec, MK's Education Business Partnership. "It's still early days, but already iPEC is demonstrating that some of the city's most disengaged young people can be inspired to succeed through real work and adult majority environments. It's all about employability and students experiencing responsibility."
"This is a tribute to our talented and hard-working staff," said Soo Smith, iPEC Manager, "as well as to the personal commitment and determination of our diverse students."
Many of the school's 50 pupils would have been excluded from mainstream schools and iPEC provides them with opportunity to develop the skills and training they need for the world of work. Many of the young people feel that iPEC’s curriculum and culture are more appropriate for their own personal style of learning, and are more engaged on the iPEC programme than they were at school.
"You feel different here," said Sam Brind, a Year 11 student on work placement with the Economic Development team at MK Council, "like they really expect you to do well at work." Sam's mother, Carol Fox, said: "iPEC has been the making of my son."
Employers host work experience placements and visit to give talks about the world of work. "I was surprised how relaxed and professional the students seemed," said Tracey Hill of DHL, after a visit to iPEC. "It's good to see the students enjoying their work. I wish I'd gone to a school like this!”
Ofsted noted that students speak positively about the opportunity to work in an adult environment with mutual respect between staff and students.
Ofsted also noted good examples of students taking up apprenticeships or remaining in employment in their chosen field on leaving iPEC. Jamie Owen, who graduated (pictured) from iPEC in June 2010 is currently attending a plumbing course at MK College. "If it wasn't for my iPEC tutor," he said, "I wouldn't be doing my College course now and would still be getting in trouble with the police."
Fran Parry, Countec Board member and Chair of the iPEC Committee, said:
"I am very pleased with the Ofsted result, which shows that partnership working (with MK schools, Local Authority, employers and vocational training providers) is an effective way to engage students who are excluded or at risk of exclusion from mainstream school. It is fundamental to iPEC's mission that we give these students access to quality education, placements and guidance to support their career aspirations, and it is good to have Ofsted's confirmation that our approach is working."
Michael Manley, chair of the MK Behaviour Partnership (MK secondary schools and Local Authority) which funds iPEC, congratulated iPEC on its successful Ofsted inspection. "I am pleased that iPEC have achieved this outcome,” he said.
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