New City College has been awarded the highest Ofsted rating following a recent inspection.
The college, which operates campuses in Epping Forest, Hackney, Havering, Redbridge, and Tower Hamlets, says it is now the largest college in the country to achieve 'outstanding'.
A team of 18 inspectors visited the college for a week in March, speaking to hundreds of students, staff, and apprentices while observing numerous lessons and activities.
The inspectors praised New City College for its high-quality curriculum, expert teaching, and exceptional achievements.
They noted the college's wide range of educational programmes designed for young people, apprentices, adults, disadvantaged learners, and those with high needs.
Ofsted said: “Since the previous inspection, leaders, managers and staff have worked relentlessly to improve the quality of education.
"They have successfully implemented rigorous quality assurance processes across campuses, to ensure consistency in the quality of teaching.
"This has resulted in year-on-year improvements in learners’ experiences and outcomes.”
The inspection team also visited various employers and community venues to gather their findings, which were published on May 1.
The report highlighted the college's ambitious culture and innovative learning opportunities.
Inspectors found extensive support provided to students for their mental and physical wellbeing.
The inspectors remarked on the inclusive atmosphere, stating that students demonstrate "high levels of mutual respect towards each other and their teachers".
The report said: "Students find their studies demanding and highly rewarding.
"Teachers, who are subject experts, teach the curriculum exceptionally well so that learners and apprentices quickly develop a wide range of knowledge, skills and behaviours."
Group principal and chief executive, Gerry McDonald CBE, expressed pride in the staff and students.
He said: "I am immensely proud of the New City College staff team who are rightly recognised in this report.
"And, of course, enormously proud of our students who showcased to the Ofsted team their skills and determination to succeed."
The college has evolved over the past nine years through a series of mergers and now supports almost 20,000 students each year.
This includes school leavers, adult learners, higher education students, and apprentices.
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