Accrington and Rossendale College rated outstanding (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Accrington and Rossendale College rated outstanding

6:10pm Sunday 10th May 2009 in Education By Kate Jackson, Reporter

ACCRINGTON and Rossendale College is celebrating after being rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The college, which has its main campus in Broad Oak Road Accrington, and other campuses in Rawtenstall and Bacup, was given the top rating in all five categories by inspectors.

It was praised for its very high success rates and ‘creative and exciting’ teaching.

Bosses said the rating meant that the college was now officially one of the best in the country.

The inspectors said in their report: ”Success rates are very high and improving at a faster rate than the national average. Teachers and learning throughout the college is highly effective and makes a significant contribution to the exceptionally high pass rates.

“The college manages its finances well and provides outstanding value for money.

"The college's capacity to improve is outstanding. Outstanding educational and social inclusion outstanding additional learning support.”

The college was visited over a five-day period from March 9 to March 13 during which time the inspectors examined documents, interviewed members of staff and observed teaching in the classroom and workshops.

College principal Stephen Carlisle said the success was testament to the hard jobs" target="_blank">work of staff and the achievements of the students - and now put Accrington and Rossendale as one of the best in the country.

He said: “We set out, at the very beginning, to gain Grade 1s in every category and we're thrilled to have achieved that.

“Our entire ethos revolves around student achievement, from investing £16 million in a new campus to recruiting the best, most experienced tutors available.

“We're very proud of what this college has achieved and the reputation we've built and we hope that local residents share that pride in having such a great college on their doorstep."