HMS Raleigh is judged to be 'outstanding' by Ofsted

MILITARY school HMS Raleigh has been judged as 'Outstanding' by education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors put the Torpoint training centre through its paces in September last year as part of their fourth Welfare and Duty of Care in Armed Forces Initial Training.

HMS Raleigh chiefs had just 24 hours notice – and the establishment was the only Royal Naval site out of 10 put under the spotlight.

Inspectors, who have just reported back, gave both HMS Raleigh and the RAF's Officer and Air Crew Training Unit, which is also based in Torpoint, the thumbs-up.

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"Both establishments were impressive in the attention they paid to supporting each trainee's personal, training and learning needs," the report states.

"The combination of high expectations of trainees and a coaching and mentoring programme which builds successfully on their prior experience provides a very good foundation for their progress and achievement.

"Both establishments have been very successful in ensuring that as many recruits as possible are supported to remain in training."

Along with the overall 'Outstanding' grading, HMS Raleigh got full marks for identifying when young trainees were deemed to be 'at risk' and for supporting those recruits.

As The Herald reported earlier this year, up to 1,500 students could be lost from the base when its logistics school moves to Hampshire.

The move, announced by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in August, will see the Defence Maritime Logistics School move to a new purpose-built facility in Worthy Down, near Winchester.

The South East Cornwall school currently provides training to the chefs, stewards, supply chain specialists, writers and officers who make up the Royal Navy's logistics branch.

Commanding Officer Captain Bob Fancy said: "We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of staff at HMS Raleigh who are committed to providing the recruits with the best possible start to their service careers.

"It's always good to receive confirmation that the procedures we have in place are working and to be given an outstanding assessment is fantastic achievement for all those involved."

Capt Fancy added: "The most important thing now is not to rest on our laurels.

"We will be looking at the report to ensure that we maintain these standards and also make further improvements to ensure that HMS Raleigh continues to provide the essential welfare and duty of care for those undergoing training."

The report also praised the fact recruits had good access to chaplains, counselling services and other support networks.

Training, lessons, medical and dental facilities, physical education programmes and even the quality of food were praised by the visiting inspectors.

Despite potential cuts to the number of recruits looming, Ofsted said HMS Raleigh's capacity for improvement was described as 'Outstanding' – and its self-assessment as 'Good'.