A COLLEGE has become one of the first in the North-East to win a Matrix standard.

Redcar and Cleveland College - motto Raising aspirations, exceeding expectations - has been given the Government accreditation for the learning and support services it provides for its 3,500 students who are taking academic and vocational courses.

The award is for the services the colleges provides, not only on its main campus, in Corporation Road, Redcar, but in its outreach centres and in the community.

Students were canvassed for their opinions, as were the college's business partners, for the assessment leading to the award.

The assessor advised the college it could achieve a greater award.

"She said in her report that the college may consider going forward for an excellence award, because she found areas of best practice in the college," said a spokeswoman for the college.

"Definitely, we are going to pursue this further to see if we can achieve an excellence award."

Only a few colleges in the North-East have been successful in obtaining accreditation for the whole college, as opposed to areas of teaching and services.

College principal Gary Groom, who is praised in the Matrix assessment for his clear vision, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the college and it is all down to the special care and attention given by all of the staff, and clearly recognises the support given to those thinking about returning to learning as well as those who have already made the jump and are students here at the college."

Jacqueline Mather, of assessment organisation EMQC, responsible for the report, said : "Redcar and Cleveland College believes that in order to achieve successful learning outcomes it must offer information, advice, guidance and encouragement throughout the learning experience and when planning progression routes.

"It recognises that the needs of students vary and seeks to provide programmes which recognise and respond to these needs. The college has strong relationships with local schools and has developed effective relationships with a wide range of employers for the benefits of its students."