IT'S now official- Greenhead College is the best.

A report from the Government's Ofsted inspectors out today, gives Greenhead the best marks for a college assessed so far this year.

Adjectives such as `inspirational', `outstanding', `exceptional', and `exemplary' are used to throughout the document to describe the college.

The report followed a detailed inspection of the sixth-form college, which has repeatedly come either top or near the top of exam results league tables.

Principal Martin Rostron said: "It is Ofsted's best college inspection report so far - with inspections of 80% of colleges in the country completed.

"It is the first time that no lessons seen in a week of observations at any college were less than satisfactory.

"In fact, in 91% of lessons teaching was graded as outstanding, very good or good, as were 93% of lessons for learning.

"Nothing was less than satisfactory and that is unique!"

Ten out of 12 areas of the curriculum were scrutinised during the January inspection.

Nine were adjudged to be `outstanding', with one achieving the second best grade.

An Ofsted inspector said: "We noted the exceptional value that the college adds to students' progress with outstanding procedures for monitoring and improving.

"There was an impressive standard of students' work and the focus of all staff was on caring for each student as an individual."

Students' comments are also quoted in the report.

They said they liked the accessibility and expertise of teachers.

They also appreciated the interesting, enjoyable yet challenging lessons, lively atmosphere and, unusually for colleges, the good food.

Three areas in the report highlighted for improvement were: a need to improve student social areas, access to the main building for students with restricted mobility, and the need for more thorough screening of new students for special educational needs.

Mr Rostron said action to address the issues was planned for the summer or autumn.

Mrs Elizabeth Ryan, chairman of governors, expressed pride and delight in the achievement of the college, its staff and its students.

She also felt pleased that the inspectors had understood the very special ethos of the college in valuing individual students.

* Greenhead College was created in 1973 from the former Greenhead High School for girls

* It has 1,650 students

* The college is linked with 12 Huddersfield and district partner schools

* Greenhead has been awarded two Queen's Awards

* It holds Beacon College status

* A new building - named after former principal Kevin Conway - is now open