Staff and students at the city's college are celebrating getting the official recognition that they are outstanding from Ofsted this week. Exeter College is the first college in the country to have been tested in a ‘no-notice' inspection being piloted by the Government's inspectorate to ensure, as Ofsted's chief, Sir Michael Wilshaw, said that the process is “credible and rigorous”.

The inspection, lasting a full week, has graded the college outstanding overall, with the three key themes; Student Outcomes, Teaching and Learning and Leadership and Management also gaining an outstanding grade – the highest accolade possible and the best inspection profile of any college in an Ofsted inspection so far this academic year. The Inspectors graded teaching and learning as outstanding for the first time in a further education college in the last two years. They noted that teachers set high expectations, employ innovative teaching strategies and deliver lessons with energy and pace, giving students confidence in their own ability. They also praised the college's Learner Voice panel, ensuring student views are listened to and acted upon, and highlighted the personal development and employability skills that students gain whilst at college.

Richard Atkins, Principal of the college since 2002 said “This is an important national accolade for the staff and students of Exeter and the Heart of Devon and we are very proud that the college has been tested under such stringent conditions as the first no-notice inspection in the country. Our students' results at all levels are well above the national average, placing us in the top 5% of all colleges in England, and feedback from our parents and students of all ages tells us that they feel they have outstanding support to help them succeed. Whether students are excelling in exams, in their vocational assignments, in musical or sports performances or in their community projects we are delighted that their achievements and the work of the staff has now received this national government recognition.”

Colleges and schools ordinarily have three weeks warning but the senior managers at the college got the call just 45 minutes before the team of Ofsted inspectors arrived. The new Ofsted Inspection framework aims to conduct no-notice inspections in order to give a real reflection of the teaching and learning taking place.

Richard Atkins added, “We were determined that the inspectors were able to experience the high standard of teaching and learning that goes on across the college and see the skills and talents of our staff and students. This new style of inspection meant a more meaningful test since they truly saw the college during a working week and spoke to many students while they were here, to check out their experiences of the college. Particularly important to us is that students not only achieve but feel supported as they prepare for the world of work or further studies. We were keen to show the inspectors that we focus our tutorial and pastoral work on issues that are important to the students with for example financial awareness this week but it's also about ensuring students are happy and making friends.”