CALLINGTON Community College has officially been rated as 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

The college is among the first schools and colleges of 2012 to receive the inspectors' highest accolade under its new inspection framework.

The previous 27 judgments have been reduced to four key areas – achievement, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety, and leadership and management. Callington is 'outstanding' in all four categories and 'outstanding' overall.

The inspectorate said: 'This is an outstanding college. Its drive for continuous improvement has established high and rising levels of attainment and excellent achievement for all students.

'Outstanding teaching ensures all groups of students make rapid, sustained progress. Excellent learning is supported by students' extremely positive attitudes.

'Behaviour in and out of lessons is often exemplary. Students collaborate closely with staff and their peers, showing fierce concentration.'

The inspectors also said the college is 'outstanding' across the 11-19 age range. 'The sixth form is outstanding,' said the report.

In a letter written to all students following the inspection, lead inspector John Carnaghan said: 'Callington is outstanding. Excellent teaching and your very positive response to the numerous opportunities that are offered mean that your learning is outstanding. The curriculum is fully adapted to meet your needs and requirements. Your attainment is well above the national average.

'You make rapid progress and your achievement is outstanding, both in Years 7 to 11 and in the sixth form.

Delighted

'These remarkable strengths could not happen without excellent leadership and management.

'Many staff share the responsibilities of running and improving the college and the great success of their efforts can be seen in the extremely positive ethos of the school and your high achievement.'

College principal Gary Lobbett said: 'I am delighted with the highly positive judgment by Ofsted inspectors.'