YORK College has received a letter from Sir Michael Wilshaw, Ofsted chief inspector, congratulating students and staff for an outstanding Ofsted report in December.

Sir Michael said: “The judgement of outstanding means that you are exceptional and significant elements of your work are exemplary.

I do not underestimate the considerable hard work, expertise and commitment it takes to achieve outstanding provider status. Please accept my warmest congratulations on achieving this very high standard of practice.”

At the time of the inspection, York College became just the fourth General Education College in the country to be awarded outstanding since a tough new inspection framework was put in place in September 2013, the college said.

Alison Birkinshaw, principal and chief executive of York College, said: “We know that everyone at York College works extremely hard to make sure students progress as well as they can.

“In light of the Ofsted judgement I must pay tribute to the achievements of students at York College, the tremendous work of all staff, and the support we have received from parents, our local community, partners and employers.”