BURY College has been ranked by Ofsted as one of the best colleges in the country.

The Market Street college underwent a rigorous inspection in May and praise has been heaped on its support for students, teaching, facilities and management.

Among the key strengths identified were high pass rates and retention rates, outstanding support for students, good teaching and learning, effective leadership and management and good accommodation and resources.

High grades were awarded for provision across the huge breadth of college courses, with 12 out of 13 areas inspected considered to be well above the required standard and awarded a "good" grade. No provision at the college was judged to be unsatisfactory.

Inspectors commended the college on its outstanding student support and guidance. The focus on meeting the needs of individual students was judged to be exemplary and praise was given for the extensive initial advice offered to prospective students.

The inspectors praised the standard of teaching and learning and the levels of achievement and examination results. Teachers were found to be well qualified, with good teaching across all areas of learning.

The report highlighted the college's productive links with the schools and its responsiveness to the local community, offering a wide range of courses at all levels.

Ofsted identified high levels of attendance and praised the college on its rigorous monitoring with overall attendance above the national average.

Students commenting on the college valued the dedication, care and attention given by their teachers

Across the whole college the inspectors found effective leadership and management, with governors, managers and staff sharing a clear sense of purpose.

It was felt however, that the college should improve inadequate library book stock and the low retention rates for courses for adult students and work-based programmes.

Dr Helen Gilchrist, college principal, said: "This is a remarkable inspection report and confirms that Bury College is one of the highest quality colleges in the country. Above all, we are a college that looks after every single student and provides first class teaching and learning across all programmes of study."