Uxbridge College has been awarded Beacon Status for providing outstanding education and training.
The accolade is given to colleges, sixth-forms and private training firms which have proved they are run to the highest standard and offer excellent education and work-related training.
Beacon colleges, which are chosen for their awards by the Government's Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), work with other colleges and training organisations to share their expertise.
Laraine Smith, Principal, accepted the award from Siôn Simon, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Further Education, on Monday 26 January.
Ms Smith said: "This accolade is a real tribute to the amazing progress the College has made in recent years thanks to all the hard work of our staff and students. It is an honour to be recognised in this way and to be held up as an example to others.
"The Beacon Status builds on our existing achievements which have seen us become an outstanding college under Ofsted, as well as ranking first for success rates among all FE colleges across the whole of London for young people for the last two years.
"But while it is a great pleasure to reflect on our successes, we are not complacent - we will continue to work hard to maintain our place at the top and adapt to the changing world around us."
Presenting the award, Siôn Simon said: "This is an outstanding achievement. In today's economic climate, the more we can all do to promote and celebrate the excellence that exists in further education and skills, the better. I would encourage all Beacons to work with LSIS to share their expertise and good practices to help drive up the performance of the whole sector to the high level that they have attained. Our students, learners and employers deserve nothing less."
Organisations which get Beacon Status must at least achieve an outstanding rating from Ofsted inspectors for leadership and management and a good rating for all six inspected areas - Uxbridge College achieved outstanding ratings in five of the six areas. They must also have strong financial health and the support of the appropriate Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Regional Director and the LSC National Office.