SELBY College has swept the board after being described as "outstanding" in all five areas of inspection by Ofsted.

It is the first college in Yorkshire and the Humber region to be awarded the accolade and one of only ten in the UK to have achieved a complete set of five grade one scores from Ofsted.

Selby College now has more than 1,000 full time students and offers workplace-based training, degree-level courses and part time studies for a further 10,000 students.

Ofsted graded the college as "outstanding" for its effectiveness of provision; achievements and standards; quality of provision; leadership and management and capacity to improve.

The Ofsted report stated: "The effectiveness of provision at Selby College is outstanding. There is a strong focus on ensuring the needs of all learners are met so that they have an enjoyable and successful experience at college.

"The quality of provision is outstanding. Teaching and learning are excellent, ensuring learners make outstanding progress in developing their knowledge and skills and produce high standards of work."

The college's principal, Allan Stewart, said: "This achievement is due to the efforts and commitment of our students and staff.

"Our collective vision is to be the college of first choice for individuals and organisations within our catchment area. This report has endorsed our belief that we are one of the country's top performing colleges - it's now official.

"We have always set out to provide quality learning opportunities in a happy and supportive environment - working one-to-one with students to help them realise their ambitions.

"The fact that 98 per cent of our students complete their studies with us - compared to a national average of 65 per cent - tells me that we have adopted the right approach."

John Grogan, MP for Selby, welcomed the news. He said: "The people of Selby district have recognised for some years what an outstanding success story Selby College is, offering opportunities for thousands of students.

"This Ofsted report proclaims that success to the wider world and elevates the college into the premier league of further education institutions."

Liz Burdett, area director for the Learning and Skills Council in North Yorkshire, said: "This is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved with Selby College and reflects the hard work and commitment of staff and students alike.

"It's great to have a college in North Yorkshire formally recognised as one of the country's top performers offering learning and skills opportunities of the highest quality to the people and businesses in the Selby district."