STAFF at Accrington and Rossendale College are celebrating after it was rated ‘good’ in its latest Ofsted report.

In its previous Ofsted report the college was told it ‘requires improvement’ by the education watchdog.

However the latest report praised the Broad Oak Road college for the progress it has made.

The report states the learners and apprentices at the college develop the knowledge and skills they need for further study or work.

The Ofsted report also says the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is ‘good’ and learners and apprentices have a positive attitude to learning.

Lynda Mason, principal of Accrington and Rossendale College, said: “The Ofsted ‘good’ rating reflects the huge efforts by all staff and to address issues identified at the previous Ofsted inspection.

“Best of all is that Ofsted recognise that the college is showing continued progress and an upward trend in all areas.”

The report also stated that senior leaders and managers have been unremitting in their actions to improve the quality of learners’ experiences.

And that learners and apprentices develop the knowledge and skills they need for further study or work.

They have a positive attitude to learning, take pride in their work, are highly motivated and develop confidence and new skills.

Wendy Higgin, vice-principal curriculum and quality said: “Accrington and Rossendale College has a special place in the local community with more than 6,000 students and 400 staff.

“We are a vocational college dedicated to helping local people find good jobs with career prospects and it is great that Ofsted have recognised that we do this very well indeed.”

“The report is absolutely correct when stating that senior leaders and governors have an ambitious vision for the college and that the positive relationships between senior leaders, staff and learners make a good contribution to learner progress.”