A FURTHER education college is one of three in the country to be ranked in the top ten per cent in two tables measuring achievement rates.

New College Durham, in Framwellgate Moor, features in the top ten per cent for both education and training achievement and apprenticeship achievement.

The Department of Education releases its national achievement rate tables to measure how many students complete their courses and apprenticeships on time.

Principal John Widdowson said: “We’re delighted to see that our achievement rates place us amongst the very best performing providers for further education in the country. Once again it is a fantastic achievement by our students and recognises the commitment and hard work of our support staff and teaching staff.

"New College Durham has consistently been ranked as one of the highest performing colleges both regionally and nationally and we will endeavour to maintain these high standards and continue to offer our students every opportunity to achieve and progress."