OFSTED inspectors have rated Barnet and Southgate College as ‘good’ in a recent report.

The inspection, which took place last November, is the first since the merger of Barnet College and Southgate College in 2011.

In its report, the schools watchdog praised the “rapid and significant improvement” of apprentices, which is now better than other colleges.

Inspectors noted the number of work experience placements had “significantly increased” due to the college’s strong links with employers, and the curriculum was found to meet the needs of local employers and students.

The quality of provision for students with disabilities and learning difficulties was also commended, and students were found to develop their confidence and skills “very well”.

David Byrne, principal of Barnet and Southgate College, said: “We were quietly confident of retaining our good Ofsted grading, but to receive confirmation of this is very reassuring.

“Ultimately our goal is to be outstanding and we’ll continue to strive towards that; we’re particularly proud that so many learners enjoy their lessons, participate well in discussions and that our students’ views were overwhelmingly positive.

We’ll continue to be a major contributor towards the advancement of our local communities and the overall economic benefits these subsequently bring to the region and the rest of the UK. The future economy needs a professional and technically skilled workforce and it’s our job to prepare students for the jobs that are already out there and for those that don’t even exist yet.”

Mr Byrne also quoted an independent report, which recently found the impact of the college to the local London economy is £268.2million each year.

For every £1 invested in the college, £4.20 is returned to the wider community, he added – an average annual rate of return of 16.7 per cent.