City of Wolverhampton College praised by Ofsted after raising standards

The college, which has around 11,000 students, was told that teaching and learning had 'significantly improved' since the last inspection.

Senior leaders were praised for forging strong links with businesses and organisations, a move which the watchdog said had led to many students progressing onto further study, university or employment.

Overall the college was given a 'grade 2' rating of 'good', with a number of outstanding features noted.

In his report on the inspection, which took place in October, Peter Nelson HMI, wrote: "Managers and teachers have significantly improved teaching, learning and assessment since the last inspection resulting in many more students making good progress.

"Apprenticeships are of a high standard and are valued by employers. The curriculum very effectively meets the needs of students, local employers and the regional community."

The college was also praised for being 'inclusive' and having nurtured a 'culture of mutual respect between staff and students in lessons and around the campus'.

Principal Mark Robertson, who took over in 2013, said the rating was reward for the hard work of everyone involved in the college.

"Among the staff we had a shared belief we could turn things around.

"We wanted to focus on giving our students the skills to get jobs and improve their life chances.

"By building strong links with local companies we have managed to do that.

"This has taken a lot of hard work and I'm very proud of everyone's efforts."

Mr Robertson said improving resources at the college's sites across the city had been pivotal in improving standards, citing a half a million pound investment in IT equipment as an example.

The college was told it needs to improve its hairdressing and beauty therapy programmes, although inspectors noted 'significant improvements' since its previous inspection.

Teaching, learning and assessment in foundation English and maths were also highlighted as areas that require improvement.

Mr Robertson added: "There are still areas for us to work on and we won't be resting on our laurels.

"We want to not only maintain our success but continue to push forward.

"Ofsted could return within a year or 18 months and by that stage I would like us to be outstanding."

The college has made continued progress since it was criticised for having success rates that were well below national averages in February 2012.

It was told it 'requires improvement' after an Ofsted visit in May 2013, while earlier this year a glowing report from the Further Education Commission said the college had repositioned itself as 'part of the fabric of the city'.