BASINGSTOKE'S Queen Mary's College picked up one of the top Learning category awards at Tuesday night's ceremony.

The college was recognised for its major contribution to improving the educational standards of Basingstoke and raising the reputation of the town throughout Hampshire.

Vice-principal Gareth Thomas, who nominated QMC, noted how student numbers have been increasing steadily in recent years. QMC currently has around 1,850 young people in full time study, and more than 2,000 adult students. Its reputation means students are increasingly coming from further afield, including China and Korea. In addition, more and more students from deprived areas of Basingstoke are being attracted to the college.

Its examination results have improved steadily, and last year the college appeared in The Sunday Times guide to good colleges on the basis of its average point score for students at advanced level.

Last year, QMC also received a glowing Ofsted report. Her Majesty's Inspectors laid great stress on the quality and consistency of teaching, finding that the college was unique in the region in its capacity to provide for the needs of learners, and stating that young people gain in skill, self-confidence and direction at QMC.

The report was so good it led the Chief Inspector of Schools to single out QMC in his annual report to Parliament as one of a small group of "particularly successful" colleges who have distinguished themselves through the quality and range of their provision.

The college plays a full role in serving the community, and has developed a number of partnerships with various local organisations.

After Mr Thomas was presented with the Learning award, QMC principal Stephen Sheedy said: "We have a lot to be proud of in our attempts to make learning attractive to people in the town. If we can also play a role in making Basingstoke better known and better respected for the quality of its young people we will be very pleased."

Article first published on Thursday, April 1, 2004