A Kent college group has achieved a “UK first” by being awarded top marks by Ofsted under new guidelines.

EKC Group, which has sites in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey, has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the education watchdog following a three-day inspection in March.

It received the highest grade in every category, including areas such as quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, apprenticeships and adult learning programmes.

In its report, Ofsted commended the group and noted the “excellent knowledge” the “highly ambitious” staff have at the further education provider.

“Leaders have excellent knowledge of the local economy and review their course offer to respond quickly to employers’ new and developing needs such as green technology and digital skills,” began the inspectors.

“Leaders and governors are passionate about tackling social inequality through education and training. They rightly pride themselves in offering a range of inclusive, accessible and challenging learning opportunities to the communities in east Kent.

“Governors, leaders and staff are highly ambitious for all learners and apprentices irrespective of their starting points, particularly for those with high needs or from disadvantaged groups.

“They place a high priority on learning and progression to ensure that learners and apprentices complete their studies and move on to their desired next steps.”

Other notable lines included “Learners and apprentices thrive in calm, positive and inclusive environments”, while stating that “the college makes a strong contribution to meeting skills needs” in the localities it serves.

Inspectors also praised the inclusive learning within the organisation, and the fact the Group offers opportunities for the whole of the communities it serves.

Such impressive results are understood to be a UK first for an education provider of EKC’s type since new enhanced framework was introduced last July.

Ofsted sent 18 inspectors to visit all of EKC’s facilities between March 7 and 10, meeting staff, students and stakeholders the group works with, as well as doing numerous “deep dives” into areas of the organisation’s provision.

Having rapidly expanded since its last inspection six years ago, bosses at EKC have spoken of their pride at being able to build on the ‘Good’ rating awarded in 2017.

EKC Group CEO Graham Razey praised the effort put in by its 1,500 staff members, saying: “My thanks go to all of the staff and stakeholders who work so hard to ensure we continue to create the best learning opportunities possible for learners across east Kent.”

“This Ofsted rating is a momentous occasion for us as an organisation, and we are delighted that inspectors recognised the incredible work put in by staff and students.

“To be deemed outstanding in all aspects highlights the excellent standard at which we operate, with everyone playing their part to provide top quality training and improve the socio-economic prosperity of the communities we serve.

“I am particularly proud of the fact that we have been able to achieve this rating, while also ensuring that we remain a fully inclusive organisation that seeks to meet the needs of absolutely everyone within the communities we proudly serve.

“I am truly passionate about delivering for every learner regardless of their background or learning requirements, and it fills me with real joy when I am able to witness the transformational impact our Group has on so many young people and adults who develop their skills within our provision.”

The organisation has 12,000 students across six campuses county-wide, as well as a regional business unit, EKC Training, which provides apprenticeships, community learning, employability provision and prison education.

The ‘Outstanding’ status comes after another successful visit by Ofsted last year, which saw the Group’s latest acquisitions – Ashford College and Spring Lane – awarded the highest rating possible during a monitoring visit.