A college group serving Slough and Windsor has been given a new Ofsted rating following an inspection in March.

Windsor Forest Colleges Group - which is made up of Windsor College, BCA, Langley College and Strode's College - has been given a 'good' rating by Ofsted.

The group were "thrilled" to be given the rating in all categories, which marks a "significant milestone in its journey of education excellence and innovation".

At the time of the inspection on March 12 to 15, there were just over 4,000 students on education programmes for young people.

This included 1,595 students on adult learning programmes and 443 students in receipt of high-needs funding.

Ofsted noted students and apprentices had a "very positive attitude" toward the college and their teachers "support and inspire them to achieve".

The report added: "Students benefit from an inclusive and welcoming environment in which they flourish.

"Students feel confident in their expert knowledge and are prepared well to enter employment or go on to further study."

Meanwhile: "Students with high needs benefit from effectively planned and tailored courses.

"Leaders and managers have developed a curriculum that prepares them well for their next steps, including progression into the community, employment or higher levels of study.

"Students participate in a wide variety of trips where they practise using public transport and learn how to keep safe."

Ofsted also found students feel "very safe" at the college.

In summary, the education watchdog wrote: "Since the previous inspection, leaders have maintained the good quality of the provision."

"Leaders have high aspirations to provide high-quality courses that help students to further their employment ambitions and participate more fully in their local communities."

The college group has been told to "ensure all apprentices complete their training and achieve with the planned time", "make sure teachers are trained in techniques to help students remember more of what they are taught over time" and to "make sure students with high needs receive the advice they need to make more informed choices about their next steps."

Group Principal Gillian May said: "I am immensely proud to share this momentous news with our community.

"Our Ofsted success is a testament to the unwavering commitment and hard work of everyone involved."

The Group's success is attributed to the "exceptional professionalism and commitment" of its staff, who have cultivated a "positive and supportive learning environment".

Students, in turn, have "demonstrated remarkable determination and enthusiasm", embodying the ethos of the colleges and driving their collective progress.

In just over 18 months since its merger, the Windsor Forest Colleges Group has carved out its unique identity and specialises in areas that cater to the diverse needs of local and regional communities.

BCA stands out with its land-based identity, offering a supportive environment for vulnerable students and broadening its curriculum to meet local economic needs.

Windsor College shines as a creative hub and Strode's College offers traditional and innovative programmes of study.

Langley College focuses on student-centred learning and engagement, overcoming challenges to learning and achievement with high levels of student retention and progression improvements post-merger.

A spokesperson for the Windsor Forest College Group added: "Our Ofsted success is a milestone in our ongoing journey of improvement.

"We remain committed to enhancing our curriculum, supporting our students and meeting the future needs of local and regional industries with innovation and resilience."