A college has been praised in a new Ofsted inspection.

The education watchdog rated Abingdon & Witney College as "Good", the second highest rating, following an inspection last month.

Inspectors also judged the college's apprenticeship provision, the support and learning environment for those with high needs, and the behaviour and attitudes of its students as "Outstanding" – the highest possible rating.

The four-day inspection covered four different campuses in Witney, Bicester and Common Leys Farm, where they looked at a range of different aspects of the college.

"Learners and apprentices are positive ambassadors for the college, equipped with the behaviours they need for study, work and life," the report said.

"[They] are highly motivated to succeed. They work hard in lessons and at work, take pride in their achievements.

"Apprentices produce work to a high standard. Their written work is detailed, and their practical skills are well honed."

The inspectors also noted the college's "Strong" contribution to meeting skills needs in Oxfordshire – the highest grading possible in this sub-judgement.

The report stated: "Leaders know the needs of their local communities very well.

"They use their well-established partnerships with local councils, schools and community groups to offer people in Oxfordshire valuable opportunities to learn and socialise."

Jacqui Canton, Principal and CEO of Abingdon & Witney College said: "In the College's Strategic Plan, we share our mission statement: to nurture and empower individual students and staff to be the best they can be to improve lives, communities, and the economy through education; an ambition I am delighted to see duly recognised in the latest report.

"Ofsted's findings are a well-deserved testament to the hard work and brilliant efforts of our extraordinary staff and team who strive each day to do their best for our students, and a brilliant reflection (and insight) into the infectious motivation and passion held by our students, which are all so lucky to share. To all who have helped us achieve this result, I encourage you to take a read."

Nick Handy, chair of the corporation board said: “As chair of thebBoard I was delighted to receive the final report from Ofsted following their Inspection of Abingdon and Witney College.

"The report confirmed that the college is good overall with three areas judged outstanding, as well as making a strong contribution to skills needs.   "In particular, the report highlights the College’s learners and apprentices who are positive ambassadors for the College, equipped with the behaviours they need for study, work and life.

"The result is a fitting testament to the dedication and hard work of all staff at the College who the Report acknowledges are passionate about providing learners and communities with opportunities to ‘Be Extraordinary.’”