OFSTED inspectors have given Askham Bryan College at York a “good” rating – highlighting its strong partnerships with industry and support given to students.

The college, which has learning centres across the North of England, has seen student numbers more than double to 5,264 since its last inspection in 2011.

Catherine Dixon, chief executive, said: “Given the significant growth in student numbers at the college over the last few years, we are delighted with Ofsted’s finding and being rated as good.

“The result is a testament to the dedication, expertise and hard work of our staff and the enthusiasm and commitment of our students.”

The college offers courses from diploma level to higher level qualifications and degrees and

works with a broad range of industry partners including the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust; Natural England; the York, North Yorkshire & East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership; the North York Moors National Park; local councils; vet practices; and agricultural and engineering businesses such as Bauer Engineering, Trimble and Russells (Kirkbymoorside) Ltd.

The inspectors said: “As a result of the excellent industry partnerships, learners are able to explore their employment aspirations and gain real work experience in a variety of settings, thereby enhancing their social and communication skills.”

They said the proportion of learners successfully completing study programmes is above the national rate with the vast majority gaining employment or further education.

Ms Dixon said: “The college’s apprenticeship numbers have increased by a third since 2015, rising from 639 to the current figure of 855 across a total of 23 courses.

“We are therefore delighted with the inspectors’ findings as they are particularly significant as Government changes aimed at creating three million apprentices by 2020 come into play.”