A Southampton college held in "high regard" has been graded “outstanding” in its latest Ofsted report.

Itchen Sixth Form College was inspected between October 1 and 4 and has been on a steady rise since being hit with a “requires improvement” grading in 2018.

A further full inspection in 2021 branded the Itchen College “good,” but said that apprenticeships program required improvement.

Now the report has paid particular praise to their partnerships with local employers and groups like Seetec and Hampshire Learn and Thrive.

Ofsted noted that valuing the community means that the college is “held in very high regard for their purposeful innovation, creativity and flexibility,” allowing students to get hands-on work experience and build skills to use in the workplace.

Principal Alex Scott has been in post and led the college management group since April 2017.

He said: “Our mission has always been to support students in achieving their full potential and I am thrilled that Ofsted has recognised our efforts to foster an inclusive, aspirational, high achieving and supportive environment.”

Elsewhere in the report, Ofsted spoke highly of the college’s support of students from diverse backgrounds and those with high needs.

Teachers were also praised for “skilful planning so that students’ knowledge and skills build in fluency and complexity over time.”

Mr Scott added: “This ‘Outstanding’ rating is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the achievements of our students, and the support they receive from parents and guardians.

“We are particularly pleased that inspectors acknowledged our strong focus on providing exceptional teaching, learning and support.”

The report commented on how “students benefit from a caring and supportive learning environment, where they are encouraged to grow in confidence and resilience” and that they showed “impeccable behaviour” during classroom sessions.

Ofsted believes that Itchen College students are encouraged to grow in “confidence and resilience,” partly due to their ability to get practical work experience with local businesses.

This is the first “outstanding” inspection that Itchen Sixth Form College has had since its Ofsted records started in 2004.