A COLLEGE for people with learning difficulties is one of the first in the country to be rated "outstanding" by Ofsted for helping its students to develop.
Linkage College, in Weelsby Road, Grimsby, was given an overall "good" rating by the education watchdog following an inspection last month, but was deemed "outstanding" for its student outcomes.
The report says: "Students make significant progress in all aspects of their learning programmes, in addition to gaining formal accreditation and achieving their long-term goals in relation to further learning, employment and increased levels of independence."
The inspection, which was carried out in February, also praised the activities on offer at the college; the quality of teaching, learning and the effectiveness of leadership and management.
Principal Matthew Orford said: "This is a brilliant result and we're very proud of the formal acknowledgement by Ofsted that students leave Linkage College with outstanding outcomes following their programmes with us.
"I pay tribute to the whole staff team at the college, and to our colleagues within the wider Linkage Community Trust, for their hard work and dedication in supporting our learners and in helping us achieve this outcome."
Simon Farrand, 20, has been at Linkage for three years and is in his final year.
He said: "This is a dream college for me. I really enjoy coming here.
"I like being able to do media and getting involved in the student union.
"They teach you all about independent living skills and I hope I can live independently one day."
Lawrence Allen, 20, lives near Market Rasen, and has been at Linkage for four months.
He said: "I like coming here because I get to do new things. I really enjoy doing horticulture because I like growing plants."
Student Hannah Rollings, 20, has been a student for three years.
She said: "The teachers are really friendly here.
"I like doing work experience as a cook and spending time with my friends."
Ryan Cook, 21, joined Linkage a year ago.
He added: "I really like coming to college and I have lots of friends here."
