Northampton College has received a “good” rating from Ofsted for the first time in its history.
Inspectors from the Government’s education watchdog visited the college last month and were impressed with the high success rates in a large number of subjects.
A report of the visit has concluded that teaching and learning is “good”, and that college resources were of a “very high quality”.
The result represented the best outcome from an Ofsted inspection in the college’s history, having been graded ‘satisfactory’ in its previous inspections in 2005 and 2009.
Len Closs, Principal of the college, said, “We are delighted with the outcome of the recent inspection which reflects the high standards achieved by the college.
“The inspection report is a fitting recognition of the considerable progress we have made over the last five years in improving the quality of teaching and learning, alongside our significant capital re-building programme that has delivered world class facilities for our students.
“Last year, the college enjoyed the highest success rates in its history, properly reflecting the effort and ambition of our students, the hard work of our staff and the support of our governing body.
“The report also highlights exceptionally positive feedback from our students whom Ofsted recognised as valuing their college experience and contributing very well to college life.”
Roger Morris, chairman of the college’s board of governors, said, “The governors welcome this recognition of the continuing progress that the College has made under the leadership of Len Closs since the last comparable inspection four years ago.
“We have made high standards of teaching and learning our top priority, and we shall continue to do so as we aim for the college to be recognised by both Ofsted and the local community alike as outstanding in helping all our students to reach their full career potential.”