Beacon of excellence

Following an outstanding' Ofsted inspection report the college at Loushers Lane has been awarded learning and skills beacon status.

It will now be championed as a model college after the Quality Improvement Agency (QIA) accreditation made in London.

Principal Mike Southworth said: "We take a great amount of pride and joy in the granting of beacon status. It confirms that our college is continuing to excel at all levels and to be held up as an example of good practice is extremely rewarding.

"We continue to move forward as a college all the time and believe we offer young people in the area the best possible learning experience."

In order to obtain the award Priestley had to meet stringent standards of excellence.

Katie Harris, college vice president, who is coming to the end of her two-year stay at Priestley, said: "We were made a real fuss of at the presentation event and it brought into context just how prestigious the award is.

"My time at Priestley has been very enjoyable and I'll be taking away a lot of happy memories with me."