Governors, managers and staff at Pershore Group of Colleges were delighted with the outcome of their recent Ofsted inspection.

The inspectors visited in May and concluded that the college had many strengths. These included improving success rates, providing a friendly and supportive learning environment, and encouraging a strong culture of commitment and respect.

The principal, Dr Heather Barrett-Mold, said that the outcome of the inspection was due to the hard work, dedication and resolve of all the staff over recent years. Management was something that had been heavily criticised in recent reports.

She added: "All staff have worked tirelessly on behalf of their students to ensure a quality learning experience and this has been confirmed by Ofsted, we are delighted."

The inspection focused on:

l Overall effectiveness of the college and its capacity to improve further.

l Quality of provision.

l Leadership and management at the college.

l Specialist provision.

In all these areas, the college was rated satisfactory or better. With regard to the effectiveness and quality of provision, special note was made of student success rates, students enjoying their courses, high retention and attendance rates, excellent approach to educational and social inclusion and the provision of effective learner support.

The report highlighted that leadership and management had encouraged a strong culture of commitment and respect between all staff, had maintained high staff morale, fostered excellent links with external stakeholders, placed a high strategic emphasis on sustainable development and were steadily improving the college's financial position.

It was, however, criticised for some areas, including a lack of one-to-one meetings, and inspectors said some lessons could be improved.

Dr Barrett-Mold added: "There is always room for imrovement and we continue to work on this. It is pleasing to see that this report confirms the findings of the Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency inspection earlier his year on our specialist provision in horticulture, which commended teaching, learning and student progression.

"I think we have to be pleased on a very successful year's work."