An agricultural college is celebrating after its Ofsted rating improved.

Plumpton College in Plumpton, near Lewes, has been rated good by Government inspectors.

It comes after the college, which specialises in land-based courses, was previously rated as requiring improvement.

The new Ofsted report praised college bosses for dealing effectively with the large majority of areas recommended for improvement at the previous inspection.

It read: “Most learners and apprentices gain valuable technical and practical skills and are making good progress towards employment or further training in a range of land-based and adventure education areas.”

Over the past three years learners who achieved their qualifications have increased, as well as retention rates.

The college’s “exceptional partnerships” with local employers received praise, like that with Brighton and Hove City Council to develop the walled garden and historical landscape and features at nearby Stanmer Park, which secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The “welcoming and inclusive” community was also recognised. The Student Union was recently re-established and has become an important hub for activities and support.

Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, told The Argus she was delighted with the college’s glowing report.

She said: “Plumpton College is a fantastic asset for the area.

“Strong leadership and committed teaching are truly the secret to success and this provides the necessary foundation for good personal attainment among students.

“I am delighted with this result, and I am sure that Plumpton will continue to from strength to strength in the future.”

The college was rated good individually in all areas except provision for learners with high needs where it was rated as requiring improvement.

Lead inspector Helen Flint recommended the college bosses should:

l Accelerate plans to introduce independent careers guidance so students can plan their next

steps better informed about their options

l Make theory lessons in a small minority of areas more interesting and informative so learners gain new knowledge and understanding more rapidly

l Improve the management of learners with high needs.