A LEAGUE table has placed a college in the top 30 nationally for levels of employer and student satisfaction, beating all other institutions in the Tees Valley area.

Darlington College achieved the top ranking in the region based on criteria published by the Department for Education, scoring colleagues on overall satisfaction and progression.

A league table devised by Nick Linford, the editor of an education sector publisher and former college director of performance, found that Darlington College was above average.

Employer satisfaction was rated at 96.5 per cent, while college student satisfaction fell at 86.7 per cent.

Darlington College chairman, Pat Howarth, said: “I know there are an infinite number of ways in which you can rank colleges, but it is particularly satisfying to see that we nearly always appear near the top.

“It is also rewarding to note the very positive perceptions of the college among students and employers, particularly in the light of apprenticeship reforms which place greater emphasis on close working relationships between education and employers.”

The college, off Haughton Road in the town, has been ranked best in the Tees Valley and fifth in the country for achievement following a rigorous test that assesses student retention and qualifications secured.

Almost 90 per cent of the 12,664 students on full and part-time courses at Darlington College completed their studies and achieved their qualifications.

Principal Kate Roe said: “The latest recognition is just reward for the tireless efforts of staff and students to raise standards of learning and ensure the very best outcomes, while protecting the unique appeal of the college to young people.

“This again shows that achievement is so much more than attaining a good pass rate for the few.

“It is about continuing to engage all of our students in their learning and ensure that they leave with the right qualification for a future in higher education, apprenticeships or employment.”

Full and part-time students can access an array of vocational and academic courses across a range of subjects and professions, including engineering and construction, hospitality and catering, hair and beauty, games, media and journalism and business and management.

Childcare and health and social care, computing and IT, art, design and photography, health and safety, motor vehicle, outdoor sport and fitness, football academies, uniformed public services, travel and tourism, maths and English and teacher training are also offered.