THE principal of a top East Lancashire college has been invited to Downing Street in recognition of its success.

Blackburn College boss Ian Clinton received a call inviting him to visit Number 10 as the new University Centre received positive feedback on the first part of its inspection.

The college, which draws students from across East Lancashire, has recently undergone part one of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education inspection process.

Inspectors evaluated the college’s student experience which focused in particular on the student assessment process. They gave the University Centre one advisable and four desirable recommendations and urged bosses to continue to develop the work it is doing.

Yana Williams, vice- principal in charge of quality and development, said: “This positive inspection reflects the high standards and quality of the courses at our University Centre.

“We continue to focus on students to ensure they receive the best experience possible and it is great to have this reinforced by this inspection”

The £14million curved University Centre, off Barbara Castle Way, was opened in September. The new building has enabled the college to increase student numbers by 300 to more than 1,000.

Around 90per cent of its applications are from people with a BB post code and it will serve pupils from across East Lancashire, including Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

The second and final stage of the inspection, the Summative Review, will take place within the next academic year.

This will build on the developmental review and look at all aspects of the University Centre.