Positive Ofsted report and the college’s conversion into an academy set to lead the way for a successful future.

HONITON Community College is celebrating a double success after receiving a glowing Ofsted report as well as securing academy status.

The college received a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted inspectors, which Principal Glenn Smith feels will lay the foundations for the future.

He said: “We came out a strong good, which is a big step forward for the college.

“I was so pleased to have the recognition for our hard work and the efforts of the management team and the staff.

“It is everybody working together - administrators, teachers, caretakers, dining room staff - that has enabled us to get such a good report.

“I firmly believe this college has the capacity to achieve outstanding in three years’ time and the foundation is there for us to do that.”

Inspectors rated the teaching as good overall, with an increasing proportion outstanding and the enthusiasm of staff shining through during lessons.

The students’ behaviour during lessons was commended and described as “good overall and improving”.

Ofsted was also impressed by the students’ participation in the day-to-day life of the college - for example, the work of the college executive team, as well as their involvement in the local community.

The inspection report said: “This is a good college that is improving rapidly.

“Students flourish as individuals within the welcoming and caring environment created and maintained by the principal and the staff.”

The report also stated there had been improvements in the sixth form and the college will be focusing on helping all of its students become more independent learners. Mr Smith, who took charge of the college in 2009, added: “My vision, when I arrived, was to make learning and teaching the college’s number one priority and it will remain so.”

The school will still be known as Honiton Community College when it officially becomes an academy in September.

Vice principal Andy Holt said: “It is going to open up a world of opportunity. It is going to dramatically increase funding in the short term and maybe the long term as well.”