STAFF and learners of a college group are celebrating after receiving ‘outstanding' ratings across all three colleges in a new Ofsted inspection.

The Nelson and Colne College Group, which comprises Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College, and Lancashire Adult Learning, is the first in Lancashire to receive the highest possible Ofsted accolades under the new inspection framework.

The inspection, which took place in March 2022, saw a 10-strong team visit all campuses, and talk to staff, students, apprentices, governors and employers.

Principal and chief executive of the group, Amanda Melton CBE, said: “I am beyond proud to be a part of this extraordinary college group.

“The work the teachers, trainers and support teams do on a daily basis is all focussed on our learners and their successes and I am just delighted that Ofsted recognised that in their recent visit.

“This is a phenomenal achievement for Nelson and Colne College Group, given the commitment we have shown to supporting both Lancashire Adult Learning and Accrington and Rossendale College following the mergers.

“We hope everyone connected with Nelson and Colne College Group will join us in celebrating this success.

"The college group has an exciting future ahead and we remain committed to this level of excellence for all our current and future learners, across all of our colleges.”

In the inspection report, it noted "learners and apprentices love being learners at the college" and leaders and management across the group "provide a high-quality education through which learners and most apprentices achieve their full potential".

Nelson and Colne College Group is now the only college in Lancashire to be graded as ‘Outstanding’.

Inspectors added: "Learners and apprentices embody the outstanding culture of high standards across all of the college sites.

"They are passionate and highly motivated about their education and futures. They describe their teachers and trainers as inspirational and knowledgeable."