EAST Durham College is celebrating after once again being graded as good by an education watchdog.

Ofsted inspectors’ judgement said governors, senior leaders, managers and staff had sustained the good quality of education and training at the college that was seen at a previous inspection.

They also praised the college, which has campuses in Peterlee and Durham, saying it had “strengthened further the attention on improving the quality of teaching, learning and assessment”.

Suzanne Duncan, principal and chief executive, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of our recent inspection and that the report has highlighted many of our strengths.

“It was extremely pleasing to read that the report confirmed that learners on our 16 to 19 study programmes develop good practical skills through relevant work-related learning tasks and work experience appropriate to their career aspirations.”

“We were also extremely pleased that the report highlighted that we work particularly well with employers, the local enterprise partnership and other partners to ensure that our provision is responsive to local and regional priorities and demands; as a result, almost all of our learners progress to further study, higher education, apprenticeships or meaningful and sustainable employment."

David Butler, Chair of Governors at East Durham College, added: “We are delighted that Ofsted recognised the very good progress we have made since our last inspection and that the college has a large number of key strengths.

“I look forward to working with my fellow governors, the college leadership team and staff to ensure the college continues to go from strength to strength.”

Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods: “I want to congratulate everyone at East Durham College.

“The college provides students in Durham with excellent educational opportunities, and offers young people an alternative way into college education other than the traditional school based curriculum.

“I am really pleased that Ofsted has recognised the great work the college does for young people in the region.”