Hard work has paid off for staff and students at Lakes College as government inspectors praise "a culture of high expectations".

Celebrations are ongoing at the Lillyhall college following its glowing Ofsted report, which has received good ratings in all areas.

At the previous inspection, two years ago, inspectors ruled it required improvement in almost all areas.

In the Ofsted report, they said the college had rectified "the vast majority of weaknesses identified at the previous inspection".

Leaders’ and managers’ strategy to improve teaching, learning and assessment has been successful, with highly effective governance.

The principal, Chris Nattress, senior leaders and college staff have develop highly effective partnerships with local and regional stakeholders, the report said, "while learners and apprentices develop successfully the practical skills and technical knowledge they need for work".

Mr Nattress said he was very proud of the achievement.

"The report gives credit to many examples of good practice and the college will continue to evolve and develop and pursue best practice in every area of its activities,'' he said.

"This confirms that, in Lakes College, West Cumbria has a thriving, high quality technical college on its doorstep, with first class staff, facilities and resources available to help everyone reach their potential."

"Governors and senior leaders promote a culture of high expectations. They have rectified the vast majority of weaknesses identified at the previous inspection."

"Learners and apprentices produce work of a good standard that is at, or above, the level at which they are studying. They take pride in their work and know what to do to improve."

Mark Stanger, chair of governors, said he recognised the effort of everyone since the last inspection.

"Governors are very pleased with the outcome of the report, which reflects the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.

"This result places the college in a very strong position to meet the skills' challenges of this area over the next decade and beyond.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the wider college community, our stakeholder and employers, whose support of the college and our students is recognised in the report."

The Ofsted inspectors said the college needed to improve in several areas including further improving the English skills of apprentices and the English and mathematics skills of adult learners on employability courses and increasing the proportion of learners who achieve their qualifications in hairdressing, the early years, accounting and GCSE English and mathematics grades A* to C and 9 to 4.