A LEADING politician has praised those responsible for transforming the formerly inadequate Darlington College.

Recently, MP Nick Boles wrote to the heads of the college to congratulate them on turning around the fortunes of the institution.

In his former position as Minister of State for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Mr Boles recognised the team’s efforts to drive the college forward.

A dramatic fall from grace in 2015 saw Darlington College deemed inadequate after an Ofsted inspection uncovered a catalogue of failings.

Since then, a raft of changes and improvements have been made, leading to the further education institution being reclassified as ‘Good’.

The efforts of staff and students, headed by new principal Kate Roe and guided by a reduced board of governors chaired by Pat Howarth, were highlighted by Mr Boles.

His letter also confirmed the lifting of a formal intervention procedure by the Government’s Further Education Commissioner.

Mr Boles said: “I congratulate you on this achievement and look to you to drive forward further ongoing improvements to both the quality and sustainability of the college.”

College principal Ms Roe said results of the latest inspection had resulted in one of the happiest days of her career.

She said: “Leadership has been important in this but every single person in the college has pulled out all of the stops and is working hard to get the college back to where it needs to be.

“We were very clear about what we needed to do and we focused on the needs of individual students to make sure they are achieving everything they can.

“It was a fantastic feeling when we got the news about the inspection.

“To get that recognition for all of the effort we put in was really important for everyone.”

Chair of governors Pat Horwarth added: “To be there on the day our inspection results were announced and to see the reactions was one of the best moments of my life.

“To see that sense of pride was wonderful.”

Darlington College recently announced a merger with Stockton Riverside College, a move also welcomed by Mr Boles.