A NORTH-EAST college is celebrating after being named one of the most outstanding further education establishments in the country.

Darlington College’s success is all the more remarkable because it was achieved at a time of major disruption during its move to a new £35m campus.

The Ofsted report makes Darlington – the third smallest unitary authority – one of the best places in the country to undertake further education.

The town’s Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College and Carmel RC College also received “outstanding” ratings.

In a report, the inspectors described Darlington College as “an outstanding organisation” adding: “Learners make good progress; they develop positive attitudes to work and enjoy their time at college. The college provides excellent support to help students learn and for staff to continue to develop their skills.”

This was achieved against a backdrop of major upheaval while the college moved from its old site in Cleveland Avenue to a campus in Haughton Road.

Ofsted inspectors said the college’s strengths included:

● Leadership from the principal and governors;
● “Very high” success rates;
● A stimulating learning environment that raises aspirations;
● A responsive curriculum which keeps up with students’ changing requirements.

Also praised was the college’s partnership with the Ministry of Defence, including the campus at Catterick Garrison, Europe’s largest Army base.

Inspectors highlighted the college’s provision for 14 to 16-year-olds, work with external organisations and “outstandingly effective” equality, diversity and inclusion, excellent learning support and effective improvement strategies.

They also praised the new campus, which opened in 2006, for its accessibility to learners with mobility difficulties.

Principal and chief executive Sarah Robinson said: “I’m absolutely delighted for all of us; staff, students and our partners in the community.

“We’ve had a relentless focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning, raising the success levels of students, engaging with the community and partners.”

Ms Robinson, who received an OBE for services to further education in the New Year Honours, added: “I’m particularly pleased that the inspectors acknowledged our high success rates and excellent support for learning.”

At the same time as the Ofsted inspection, the college’s financial management and governance was reviewed.

The audit was conducted by the Learning and Skills Council, which reported no areas of identified weakness.