Bilborough College has been rated as “good” by Ofsted inspectors who said that teaching was “highly effective” and that students worked hard.

Inspectors praised the effectiveness of leadership and management, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcomes for learners, with every area being rated “good”.

They said that teachers demonstrated high expectations, with students responding to this by working hard both in and out of lessons.

The vast majority of students make good progress and achieve their qualifications with almost all of them progressing to positive destinations and the majority going on to higher education, many to highly selective universities, the report said.

Ofsted’s verdict comes 18 months after inspectors said the college required improvement but following a visit in September this year, inspectors said there had been clear improvements in teaching.

They said: “Leaders and managers have used a judicious combination of high-quality staff development and effective performance management to bring about change. They have provided effective, tailored and interesting training to enable all teachers to improve their practice.”

They praised all members of the college community for creating a “culture of collective endeavour that supports the progress of students.”

Inspectors said: “In lessons, teachers provide very good help for students to develop practical and employability skills.”

The report also said that students were enthusiastic about their learning.

It said: “They participate with energy and passion in lessons and speak positively about their experiences. They produce good quality work both in lessons and through homework tasks. Their enthusiasm and hard work contributes well to their progress and attainment and prepares them well for exam success.”

Inspectors noted that the college had an inclusive culture in which students with diverse identities felt welcome and safe and students showed respect and tolerance towards each other.

The college’s enrichment programme was singled out for praise and was described in the report as “highly effective” helping students to become thoughtful and productive citizens.

College Principal, Chris Bradford, said:

“This report shows young people and their parents that anyone considering Bilborough Sixth Form College as their next step can expect to benefit from excellent teaching and support. They will have the chance to thrive in a culture that fosters learning, achievement and progression, helping each individual reach their full potential. The report provides just recognition of the hard work, imagination and ambition of all members of the college community.”