Improving rapidly as a result of the hard work and dedication of the staff - that s the official verdict on Torquay Community College following the latest visit by inspectors.

A 13-strong team of inspectors who spent a week at the 1,092-pupil college have praised the hard work that has been put in to enable continued improvement.

College principal Gill Battye welcomed the inspectors comments. She said: 'Five years ago the college was put into special measures. That placed enormous demands on the school but we rose to the challenge, and our ongoing hard work is paying off.

'The inspectors acknowledged there were many reasons why progress has been slow initially, and I am very pleased they have recognised that we have sought to tackle every issue effectively and well.

'A solid foundation had to be laid on which we could build and take forward our improvement plan.

'When the college was inspected in November 2001, the inspectors found we had made significant improvement and special measures were no longer required.

'This latest report highlights the fact that the college gives value for money. It says the college is now improving rapidly as a result of our hard work.

'This is a tribute to my colleagues who have shown tremendous commitment, working as a team to help our pupils achieve well and raise standards. It is a justifiable recognition of all the hard work we have put in, and I would like to express my thanks to all members of the college community, staff, students, parents and governors for their support and faith in the college.

'There have been others too, who have openly backed the college, including Torbay Local Education Authority and local organisations, and we are very grateful for their support.

'The report highlights many strengths within the college, whilst listing a number of areas where improvements are needed.

'We welcome the guidance given by the inspectors on the way forward, and teaching staff are working closely with governors on our action plan so we can continue to address the issues that have been raised.

'The governors are delighted with the report which quite rightly states that they are vary committed to the college, supporting it in its improvement. The contribution of the governors is critical to our continued progress, and I wish publicly to pay tribute to them and thank them for their invaluable support to myself and my colleagues.'

Cllr Jean Cope, Torbay Councils Executive Member for Learning and Cultural Services, said: 'I congratulate Torquay Community College on this extremely encouraging report. As the inspectors point out, it is designated as a school facing challenging circumstances. Their report shows that the college is well placed to rise to those challenges and is clearly continuing in the right direction, reflecting great credit on all those involved.

'Community colleges like Torquay must be judged on a much broader basis than academic results alone, and Torquay Community College can be very proud of its continued progress.

'When I visited the college a few weeks ago, there was a very positive feel around the whole campus. I was impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm of both staff and students.'

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