A BASINGSTOKE college has maintained its high standard following an Ofsted inspection last month.

The education watchdog judged Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) as “good” in all categories inspected following its visit from May 3 to 6.

Inspectors praised teachers for their “innovative and effective use of information learning technology to engage and motivate learners”.

The report, published last Tuesday, said: “Staff maintain strong links with employers and use them well to enhance learners’ and apprentices’ experiences, provide valuable work experience placements and enable local businesses to grow and develop.”

It added that staff create an inclusive environment where learners and teachers are “respectful and tolerant, and work well together” and noted that most learners successfully progress to further study, apprenticeships, higher education or employment.

The report said: “Learners develop a high level of confidence both on classroom based courses and on workplace learning programmes. They acquire a broad range of skills and knowledge, relevant to their career aspirations, and develop good personal, social and employability skills.”

The education watchdog reported: “All staff provide high standards of care, support and guidance for learners in the college, helping to ensure that learners undertake the course that best suits their skills and interests.”

It praised the new leadership team for reversing a decline in standards.

Inspectors said the college is not yet “outstanding” for several reasons including attendance being too low on 16 to 19 study programmes, too few learners on those programmes and advanced apprenticeships successfully achieving their qualifications; and the quality of teaching, learning and assessment in GCSE English and maths being inconsistent.

Anthony Bravo, principal at the college, in Worting Road, said: “This excellent Ofsted report is good news not just for BCoT but for the wider community that we support.

“Our role as a college is to provide learners with the skills, attitudes and employability skills to progress onto the next stage of their lives.”

Lynne George, BCoT’s chair of governors, added: “Our role is to monitor, scrutinise and challenge the educational performance of the college and I am delighted that this has been recognised by the inspection team.”