BRADFORD College has been praised by Ofsted inspectors, with its health and social care and English courses deemed "outstanding."

The school was inspected late last month, and the report released yesterday listed it as "good" in all categories - outcomes for students, quality of teaching and effectiveness of leadership and management, which was described as good with some "outstanding" features.

Almost 18,000 students attend the college, and in September it opened its new £50 million state of the art David Hockney Building.

In its teaching of English as a foreign language, the college got the top rating.

And the inspectors refer to the new building as being "part of an ambitious vision of leaders and governors to transform teaching by utilising new technologies."

Inspectors graded the courses of Health and Social Care and Early Years and Playwork as outstanding, saying: "Teaching, learning and assessment are outstanding, as demonstrated by the high numbers of students who are successful on most courses. The standard of students’ work is excellent, preparing them extremely well for employment or to progress to higher education."

Its apprenticeship courses in both engineering and business were also praised.

On the English as a second language course, inspectors said: "Many students come to college speaking little or no English, yet the vast majority make significant progress in a remarkably short time."

The subjects flagged up as needing improvement were hairdressing and beauty therapy and business management.

Inspectors said: "The culture of mutual respect and consideration for others pervades all areas of the college and creates a good environment to support and encourage learning.

"A good range of support and welfare services provided to all students to support them in accessing college provision. These are particularly effective in enabling students from economically deprived households to access learning.

"The college has a very strong student's union that ensures the student voice contributes to the college improvement.

" A very strong leadership team and governors set a very clear strategic direction for the college."

Principal Kath Oldale said: “I am delighted with the findings of the Ofsted report. I have seen the hard work, effort and commitment that all staff have put in to improve Bradford College and this Ofsted report is testament to that.”

Richard Hinchliffe, director of City Training Services, said: “The Ofsted report reflects the year-on-year improvement in our Apprenticeship success rates taking us well above the national averages while maintaining our growth trajectory, we are now one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the north of England.”

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for children's services at Bradford Council, said: "I am delighted for Bradford. The college is a key partner and its success is vital to the district. This is a great achievement and a big step in moving Bradford forward."