Staff and students are celebrating after Ofsted judged Uxbridge College to be outstanding in its latest report.
Following the one-week visit in May, inspectors from the government's education inspection body Ofsted gave the College the highest possible accolade for its standards.
The report, published on 4 July, covers six main areas, five of which were graded outstanding (Grade 1), the sixth good (Grade 2).
Key strengths identified in the report are:
Outstanding success rates for students of all ages.
Outstanding leadership and management.
Outstanding equality of opportunity.
Outstanding promotion of educational and social inclusion.
Outstanding provision in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and ICT (Information and Communication Technology).
High progression rates.
Particularly good support for learners with specific needs.
Highlights from the report include:
Student success rates are outstanding. The strong ethos of equality of opportunity and educational and social inclusion permeates the College at all levels. Financial management and value for money are outstanding.
Curriculum provision is outstanding.
Students are confident and polite, and demonstrate mutual respect for each other and their teachers.
Students enjoy their learning and achieve well.
There are strong links with employers and the local community.
Laraine Smith, Principal of Uxbridge College, said: "This is a fantastic achievement not just for Uxbridge College but for our whole community.
"I would like to thank and congratulate every one of our staff and students for what they have done to gain us the highest possible award by Ofsted.
"This outstanding report recognises our strengths across the board, in standards, success rates, the quality of the courses we provide, links with employers, student support services and much more.
"Here at Uxbridge College we want our students to succeed, and this is what drives us each and every day, and is what was recognised by the inspectors.
"Whether on academic courses or training in vocational skills, our students not only succeed on their courses, but enjoy themselves and develop as individuals, going on to the jobs or further study they choose.
"However I promise you we are not complacent - our job now is to carry on keeping standards high and we certainly intend to do that."
Alasdair Macleod, Chair of Governors at Uxbridge College, said: "I am hugely proud of this achievement and all the hard work that has gone into making it possible.
"Tremendous improvements have been made since the College's previous inspection thanks to the dedication and talent of staff and students.
"Everyone who has been involved with Uxbridge College over the last few years deserves to celebrate and that includes our partners, employers and the community we work with.
"There can be no greater official recognition than an outstanding judgement from Ofsted inspectors, and it confirms our position as one of London's best FE colleges."
Chris Spencer, Director of Education and Children's Services at Hillingdon Council, said: "Our congratulations to Uxbridge College for raising educational standards so impressively - this is excellent news not only for the College but for education in Hillingdon as a whole.
"In particular the report rightly recognizes the College's work with 14-16 year olds which, alongside that of our schools, is helping boost the numbers of young people staying on in education or getting jobs.
"Our youngsters can go to Uxbridge College with full confidence they will have an excellent educational experience and get the best possible support to achieve their dreams."