WILTSHIRE College has “tackled long-standing weaknesses” after the education watchdog Ofsted rated them ‘good’ in their latest inspection.

It is after their report last year rated them as ‘requires improvement’ and in that time “senior managers have focused resources well on raising the standard of teaching”.

The college, which has campuses in Trowbridge, Chippenham, Lackham and Salisbury, recently appointed Amanda Burnside as permanent Principal after 15 months in an acting role.

She said: ““The report findings are reflective of a truly collective effort by staff across the college to put students first and to raise ambitions and achievements.

“It is a great outcome for students, staff and the county and provides a sound platform to take the college to the next level.”

The college currently has more than 9,000 students and employs nearly one thousand members of staff across the county.

Ofsted praised Wiltshire College for its “inclusive” nature in working with disabilities and for its teaching with students “enthusiastically participate in learning”.

Apprenticeship delivery at the college highlighted by inspectors noting the achievement for apprentices is ‘good’.

The report said: “Apprenticeship training focuses on local priorities for employment and staff work closely employers to ensure apprentices are well supported to make rapid progress.”

They found that students and apprentices at all campuses “enjoy attending a college in which they feel safe and which successfully adapts its provision and services for learners in need of support or specific adjustments.”

However the college was still found to be ‘requires improvement’ in the outcomes for learners category.

It found the college still needed to improve attendance in some subject areas including English, mathematics, languages and hair and beauty which remain “particularly low”.

The education watchdog also found “too many students do not have enough opportunities to practise their employability skills through high quality work experience or work-related activities”.

Helen Birchenough, chair of the corporation for Wiltshire College, said: “The Governing Body is delighted with the outcome of the report and its impact on the future of the college.

“The college has huge potential and is on an upwards trajectory driven by the exciting, new management team.”