STAFF and students are celebrating after their college was graded as the best in the country.

Cleveland College of Art & Design is the top specialist further education Art and Design College in England according to figures published by the Government Department for Children, Schools and Families.

CCAD principal Martin Raby said the outstanding results were down to the hard work of staff and students, combined with their love of art.

He said: "Our results are excellent and prove not only that we have great students but excellent tutors who get the best out of them. There is a great atmosphere when you walk through the doors of this College and that makes all of the difference.

"Our students are here because they want to be. They show a great passion for their subjects and enjoy what they do."

The college, which operates across two sites in Middlesbrough and one in Hartlepool, achieved an average points score of 1018.6 per student compared with the national average of 739.8.

It was also named second in the country in a table of schools and colleges for added value. The statistics are based on the students' abilities before and after they leave college and the college was ranked runner-up in England behind Hunt House, an independent school in Surrey.

Mr Raby added: "We dont only recruit students with high GCSE grades, we want students with a love of art and design, whether that's textiles, graphics, photography, fashion or whatever course they choose and we bring them on in an engaging environment.

"Ninety eight per cent of our students progress to higher education or employment and a lot prefer to continue their studies here because it is a relaxed and comfortable environment."

Previous students include world renowned artist MacKenzie Thorpe and Hollywood film director Sir Ridley Scott, whose credits include Alien, Gladiator, Thelma and Louise and Blade Runner..

Mr Raby added: "We have a proud and famous history here at the College and I am sure there will be many of our current crop of students who will also go onto great things."