STAFF and students are celebrating after the education inspection body Ofsted judged Uxbridge College to be outstanding.

Following the one-week visit in May, inspectors gave the college the highest possible accolade.

The report covers six main areas, five of which were graded 'outstanding', while the sixth was classed as 'good', an overall improvement on the last inspection four years ago.

Inspectors said the students were confident and polite, enjoyed their learning and achieved well.

Laraine Smith, Uxbridge College principal, said: "I would like to thank and congratulate every one of our staff and students for what they have done to gain us the highest possible award by Ofsted.

"However, I promise we are not complacent. Our job now is to carry on keeping standards high and we certainly intend to do that."

Chris Spencer,director of education and children's services at Hillingdon Council, said: "This is excellent news not only for the college but for education in Hillingdon as a whole."

For more information about courses at Uxbridge College call 01895 853333, or go to www.uxbridgecollege.ac.uk