RUNSHAW College in Leyland won top marks from the Further Education Funding Council following a recent visit by inspectors.

It scored grade one on a range of student services including responsiveness and range of provisions; governance and management; quality assurance and students recruitment, guidance and support.

And in most curriculum areas, the tertiary college scored grade two.

In the final analysis, one of the inspectors said: "At the heart of every decision at Runshaw is the student."

Principal Bernard O'Connell was clearly delighted with the result and said: "This represents the highest accolade that fellow professionals can bestow and it justifiably attributes much of this success to the dedication and commitment of staff."

Inspectors did however suggest improvements could be made in certain areas, such as deployment of accommodation, replacing books and materials and the scope and provision for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

The inspection took place over a 14 month period and involved rigorous questioning of staff and students.

The increasing range of courses available was also identified as a strength of the college, which offers examinations in some 30 courses in a vast range of areas from catering and leisure to health and care.

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