Once-struggling Battersea Technology College has been taken out of special measures after a glowing Ofsted report.

Attendance levels at the college reached 92 per cent, close to the national average for secondary schools.

In almost nine out of 10 classes, standards of teaching and learning were rated as satisfactory to very good.

The college was first put into special measures 11 years ago, came off briefly in 2001, but was put back on in 2002. Now inspectors have reported many improvements.

They praised students for their concentration and co-operation in lessons and said they were particularly impressed with the college's reward scheme, Keys to Success.

Principal Gale Keller said: "We've worked extremely hard over the past two years to get out of special measures. I've got a team of dedicated, hard-working staff which is much more stable than it was three years ago. We also have a reward system that students value and they now have faith in themselves and the college.

"We are constantly telling them they can achieve and we predict substantially better results over the next few years."

This year, the college's pass rate for A-levels at A to C grades was more than 76 per cent and there was a nine point rise in pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades at GCSE.

Mr Keller was praised for providing good and effective leadership and enabling other managers to fulfil their responsibilities.

Overall, inspectors judged the college had a strong ethos and had laid strong foundations for further improvements.

They described the college's partnership with Ernest Bevin College and ADT College as the most successful they had seen and a model for the rest of London.

Mr Keller said: "We have a strong and enthusiastic staff team and students who want to learn. That's a recipe for success in any school.

"We are passionate about widening our students' horizons. We play sports fixtures at schools like Eton and Charterhouse. We all want the best for all our students."

Referring to Keys to Success, which offers coloured enamel key badges for attendance and community service, the lead inspector said students spoke enthusiastically about it.

Wandsworth's cabinet member for education Malcolm Grimston said: "There is no doubt the college has been transformed by the hard work and vision of all those involved.

"For parents in Battersea it means they have a school on their doorstep which will set the highest standards for their children."