STAFF and students at Bridgwater & Taunton College are celebrating following a successful Ofsted inspection.

The inspectors praised the college following a visit in March this year, rating the College as Outstanding in five key areas - leadership and management, personal development, behaviours and welfare, apprenticeships, adult learning and high needs provision, getting a Good rating overall.

This is the first Ofsted rating for Bridgwater & Taunton College since Bridgwater College and Somerset College merged in 2016. Leaders were congratulated for how well the merger was managed and the ‘clear vision, common culture and strong ethos’ across all College campuses.

Derek Randall, chairman of the board of governors said: “We are delighted Ofsted have recognised the strength of our learning provision and the focus our staff bring to support every learner at Bridgwater & Taunton College.

“Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and Ofsted has highlighted this.

"We are tremendously proud of the entire College community, and look forward to the next phase of our journey together.”

Andy Berry, college principal and chief executive, added: “Our mission at Bridgwater & Taunton College is to transform the lives of our students and inspire our customers and communities to achieve success.

“We do this by delivering inspirational teaching, learning and skills development within a welcoming, safe, inclusive and supportive environment.

“I’m delighted that Ofsted recognised us as Good with Outstanding features, so soon after merger. They also highlighted our outstanding partnerships with employers and other partners that lead to excellent opportunities for our learners.”

For more information visit btc.ac.uk.