CONGRATULATIONS are in order, as Bridgwater College has been named as college of the year at the Times Educational Supplement Further Education Awards.

At last week's ceremony in London, staff were presented with the honour that rewards the achievements in the further education and training sector.

Hundreds of organisations submitted entries for the 14 categories and a number of colleges were shortlisted for the overall Further Education College of the Year category.

The judges commended Bridgwater College's student success rates, levels of student recruitment and retention, increases in apprenticeship numbers and governance and leadership.

Opportunities for employment, apprenticeships, work placements and work experience were all praised and helped the college win its prize.

In conferring the award, the judges said: "These successes, coupled with the College’s sustained excellence in governance and leadership, place Bridgwater among the UK’s most successful FE colleges."

College principal Mike Robbins, attended with a small team representing different parts of the college.

Speaking after the ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, he said: "It is an honour to receive this prestigious award, which is testament to the energy, commitment and innovation of the entire college staff.

"We have a fantastic team of people that work tirelessly to offer young people and adults alike the very best opportunities to enter and progress academically and within the world of work, and external recognition like this highlights the positive contribution made by each and every one of them.

"This is turning out to be a truly exceptional year for Bridgwater College, which is edging ever closer towards its ambition to be world class."