A SOUTHAMPTON college has been praised by Ofsted inspectors.

Taunton's College was found to have good teaching and learning standards across the board.

Other strengths identified in the Ofsted (Office for Standards in education) report included the college's clear strategic direction, effective leadership and support provided for students.

The quality of provision in the key curriculum areas of science and mathematics, English and foreign languages, business and administration was all judged to be good.

Across the humanities, provision was found to be satisfactory or better, with law, psychology and religious studies highlighted as good.

Visual and performing arts were also graded as good.

College principal Jenny Fitton said: "We are delighted to see the outstanding achievements of Taunton's students and staff recognised in this way."

"In Taunton's College, Southampton school leavers can feel confident of finding an excellent range and quality of post-16 education locally, with skilled and committed staff who can help them take the next step into higher education or a career".

Areas for improvement identified by the inspectors during their five-day visit included the college's financial stability, grading of internal lesson observations and the social areas for students.

Mrs Fitton said all these areas were being addressed.

"The issues that were identified as weak are exactly the ones that we identified in our self-assessment.

"The report shows that we are moving in the right direction."

STRENGTHS:

Much good teaching and learning

Clear strategic direction

Effective governance

Effective communication and good teamwork

Range of provision

Good resources in an attractive environment for learning

Access for students with restricted mobility

Support provided for students

Promotion of educational and social inclusion

Progress made by students relative to their prior achievements

Good leadership and management

WHAT SHOULD BE IMPROVED:

Pass rates on advanced subsidiary level AS level courses.

Financial stability of the college

Clarity of targets included in students individual learning plans

Accommodation for advice and guidance, social areas for students and library space.

Grading of internal lesson observations.

Students' achievements of key skills

QUALITY OF PROVISION IN SUBJECT AREAS:

Science and mathematics: Good

Business and administration: Good

Visual and performing arts: Good

Humanities: Satisfactory

English and foreign languages: Good