A HAMPSHIRE college is in the running to win a prestigious accolade.

Fareham College on Bishopsfield Road in Fareham is in the running to become Further Education (FE) College of the Year at the Times Educational Supplement (TES) Further Education Awards which highlights achievement in post 16 education.

The award recognises a college whose imagination and passion have led to stellar provision in all areas which includes excellence in providing a high-quality curriculum with excellent student outcomes, reflected in strong recruitment and success rates.

Nigel Duncan, Fareham College’s principal, said: “We are so very proud of our students’ accomplishments.

“I believe we have created a very special learning environment which is benefitting our whole community.”

Suella Fernandes, MP for Fareham, added: “Fareham College is a great champion of technical and professional training and apprenticeships.

“It is doing brilliant work to support the next generation of skilled young people in our area.

“The college’s ‘outstanding’ Ofsted inspection really reflects the innovative leadership of Nigel Duncan and his management team as well as the staff and students who work so hard.”

The shortlisting follows recent news that the college was awarded ‘outstanding’ following its Ofsted inspection in October, one of only four FE colleges in the country to have achieved the top grade in the last two years.

The winners of the award will be revealed on Friday, February 23 at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.