The principal of a Norfolk and Suffolk college, which merged less than 18 months ago, has said he is 'incredibly proud of staff and students' following a positive report by Ofsted.

Easton and Otley College, which offers land-based courses on campuses near Norwich and Ipswich, was rated Good by inspectors, who found staff and governors had 'worked very well together to form a new college where staff morale is high and everyone has a common purpose across the campuses to make sure that students succeed'.

Principal David Lawrence OBE said: 'We know that we are in the early stages of a new era of the college, therefore it is reassuring to receive so much positive feedback in so many areas of our inspection.'

The 16-page report also highlighted the quality of teaching, students' vocational skills and their progression into the world of work.

It states: 'Students learn very well in work environments which mirror industry requirements and they are very well prepared for employment. A high proportion is successful in securing employment in their chosen field.'

The college's partnerships with local and regional industries was found to be 'highly productive' bringing 'many benefits to students and employers, as well as promoting the land-based sector within the region'.

Teachers were praised for using their 'extensive' subject and industry experience well to teach students a wide range of skills.

Two of the five subject areas, sport, leisure and recreation and foundation English, were found to require improvement but overall, students success rates at the college were found to have increased.

Mr Lawrence said: 'All in all, I'm incredibly proud of our staff and students and the positive work that we are doing – some of which is outlined in the report.

Ultimately our aim is to become an outstanding college. We have made some rapid progress since becoming a new college just 16 months ago. We firmly intend to continue to help positively impact the lives of our students and the local community and we are confident that our excellent staff will help us reach those heights quickly and effectively,'