STAFF and students at UTC Warrington are celebrating after receiving a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted inspectors.

The university technical college, which opened in September 2016, specialises in engineering, science and technology for students aged 14 to 19.

And it received high praise from inspectors for changing the perspective of education in young people and progressing students into high quality apprenticeships, employment and university.

In the report, Ofsted said the college, based on Winwick Street in the town centre, has ‘developed and improved’ over its first three years, and staff have worked together to ensure it provides a ‘good quality of education’.

Students are said to behave ‘respectfully in a calm and hardworking environment’ as well as showing a ‘strong commitment’ to preparing themselves for their future careers.

The report also states that a ‘very low’ number of pupils leave the college without continuing their education or taking up apprenticeships, ‘indicating the college’s success in this aspect’.

Warrington Guardian:

Principal and chief executive Lee Barber said: “I am very proud that Ofsted has recognised the strong relationships between staff and students and the extra mile staff go to secure the best possible career paths for our students once they leave.

“It is clear from the report that the students deserve great credit for their commitment, professional and respectful attitude and the hard work that they put into securing top jobs after they leave us.

“I truly believe this Ofsted judgement shows how much progress we have made in delivering an excellent UTC experience for our students.”

This view was shared with Mike Houghton, UTC Warrington’s chair of governors and programme director at Wood plc.

He said: “We are a good college who deliver a high-quality curriculum and provide amazing career prospects for our students.

“This judgement marks a significant milestone in our journey and provides a platform for the next exciting stage of the college’s development.”

The college was also congratulated by Lord Baker, the former Conservative cabinet minister and co-founder of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust which oversees all university technical colleges.

“Warrington UTC opened in 2016 in a splendid new building and this week Ofsted inspectors judged it to be 'good' in all areas,” he added.

“This is a tremendous start for a new school, and its excellent technical education is just what local employers want.”