A leading college which came to the rescue of a failing institution two years ago has been given a glowing report by Ofsted.

East Kent College received an "outstanding" rating in five out of nine areas following a three-day inspection last month, putting it as one of the highest rated further education colleges in the country.

It comes just two years after it took over the stricken K College campuses at Dover and Folkestone, which had previously been rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted.

East Kent College, which has its main campus in Ramsgate Road in Broadstairs, was inspected by a 10-strong team from Ofsted between January 24 and 27.

They highlighted a range of strengths including exceptional progress of apprentices, outstanding provision for work experience, very good levels of progression and exceptionally effective and productive community engagement and partnership working.

The college was awarded a ‘good’ rating overall.

Principal Graham Razey said the inspection highlighted just how far the college has come since 2013. “Our Dover and Folkestone campuses had previously been neglected as part of K College, and were considered inadequate,” he said.

“The fact they’re now thought of as ‘outstanding’ for five of the nine areas inspected by Ofsted, and good for the other four, is testament to just how hard all of our staff have worked and I’m really proud of the grading which reflects that.”

The college was congratulated by South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay, who said it is fantastic news for the community.

“I know all the team at the college have been working immensely hard over the last few years to achieve these ratings,” he said.

“They should be tremendously proud of what they have accomplished in such a short space of time.”

Education chiefs at the college say the success is also down to the support of local partners such as Dover District Council.

Leader Cllr Paul Watkins said East Kent College delivers a strong offer for people in the area and he is delighted with the investment in the Dover campus and at Discovery Park in Sandwich.

“We have been impressed with the commitment we’ve seen from the management, staff and students,” he added.

Last year, East Kent College, which has its campuses at the former K College sites in Maison Dieu Road in Dover and Shorncliffe Road in Folkestone as well as Broadstairs, went into partnership with Canterbury College.

Since last August, the two colleges has been working together to provide higher education courses in the area