STAFF and students are celebrating after Bridgwater and Taunton College gained full marks in its Ofsted inspection and was graded ‘outstanding’ in all areas.
Bosses at the college, which has campuses in Wellington Road, Taunton, and Bridgwater and Cannington, has described the achievement as an extraordinary milestone.
Andy Berry CBE, principal and CEO of the college, said: "I am incredibly proud of the whole team.
“The inspection week was intense yet enriching. We were able to demonstrate how we embed the pursuit of excellence and student success across al areas of the college. Our commitment is to bring out the best in every student, to ensure that each individual not only excels academically but thrives within a supportive and inspiring environment.
“This accolade is also a tribute to our incredible staff, whose unwavering dedication to student care and achievement is pivotal. It's every member of staff’s commitment that empowers our students to shine, truly demonstrating our fantastic teamwork at Bridgwater and Taunton College."
Denys Rayner, chair of the board of governors, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the strength of learning provision and the focus our staff brings to support every learner across a broad range of subjects and campuses.
“It’s a huge accolade to be ‘outstanding’ in every category. This can only be achieved through a relentless determination to deliver teaching and learning to the highest standard, regardless of where you study within the college.
“Somerset has an outstanding college, one that is helping students gain the knowledge, skills and resilience they need to not just face the future, but to thrive in it.”
All eight areas inspected - quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; education programmes for young people; adult learning programmes; apprenticeships, and provision for learners with high needs - were judged ‘outstanding’.