A HAMPSHIRE college has been named as the best further education college in the country.

Last night, Fareham College scooped the Times Educational Supplement award for the best Further Education College of the Year.

The further education school beat eight other establishments to the award.

Nigel Duncan, Principal of Fareham College said: “We’re thrilled to win this award. This has been an amazing few months for us.

“Ofsted ranked us outstanding, the Prime Minister paid tribute to our hard work and now we have been named FE College of the Year by TES.

“As Principal, I’m delighted to accept this award, but I know it wouldn’t have been possible without the inspired teaching and tireless enthusiasm of all our staff. This is also an award for them.”

Hosted by comedian Alan Davies, judges at the awards ceremony last night said the college has shown "an innovate approach" to the curriculum.

They added that the "first-class" teaching has improved the standard of education across the region.

Andrew Kaye, Deputy Principal of Fareham College added: “We’ve known just what a special place Fareham College is for some while, but it is great to have this recognised by TES, other leading colleges and educationalists.”

The college, rated outstanding in its latest Ofsted inspection in October last year, offers students BTEC courses, traineeships and apprenticeships.

It currently has 1,500 full-time students on campus, which has been the subject of a £29 million development.

Last month, as party of the multi million pound development the college revealed plans to open a new £4.1 million campus at Daedalus airfield in Fareham to train hundreds of civil engineers through the apprenticeships, leaderships and management qualifications.