A college in Ipswich has turned its Ofsted rating around by being graded 'Good' with an 'Outstanding' element, three years after a 'Requires Improvement' rating.

Suffolk New College in Ipswich has been rated 'Good' for the first time since 2017, with personal development being recognised as 'outstanding'.

In all other areas Ofsted inspect, the college was rated as good, with inspectors praising the college throughout the report.

The report stated that learners "enjoy their time at the college and value the new skills and knowledge that they learn."

It also stated "learners work in a calm environment" and "demonstrate high levels of tolerance and respect for tutors and for each other."

Tutors were highlighted as "encouraging students to use technical and professional terminology' and 'plan units so that learners and apprentices gain skills and knowledge in a logical order."

Principal Viv Gillespie said: "We believe we are on a journey to outstanding and the encouragement everyone received on the back of our latest inspection result gives us all the desire and drive to continue this forward momentum.

Ipswich Star: Principal Viv GillespiePrincipal Viv Gillespie (Image: Suffolk New College)

"We would like to thank students, staff, stakeholders, parents, governors, business partners and all of the community for their efforts in helping us to achieve this outcome.

"We are very pleased to receive the positive feedback, but we won't be resting on our laurels.

"We are all hungry for more success."

Chair of governors, Stephen Pugh said: "Suffolk New College has been making great progress in recent years as we have expanded our offer and met the needs of ever more learners and employers.

Ipswich Star: Stephen PughStephen Pugh (Image: Suffolk New College)

"It is terrific news to have this progress recognised by Ofsted and be graded as a good college."

The report stated that "governors have a good understanding of the local and regional skills needs", and they "provide support and guidance on the emerging new skills and the technical equipment that learners will use".

The college, which has 4,740 learners and apprentices on their books, had its inspection between November 15 and 18.

Ipswich Star: The college has been celebrating after being rated 'Good' with 'Outstanding'The college has been celebrating after being rated 'Good' with 'Outstanding' (Image: Luke Penning/Suffolk New College)