YOUNGSTERS and staff at Foxes Hotel and Academy, Minehead are celebrating double success after achieving a glittering OFSTED report and a top national award.

The academy for young people with learning difficulties has been awarded top marks in a glowing school report.

And it has been given a Springboard Award in a country-wide competition.

Academy principal Maureen Tyler-Moore travelled to the Emirates Stadium in London to collect the prestigious Education Award for small organisations, presented in recognition of the academy's links with schools, colleges and universities.

An exemplary report has been handed to Foxes in all areas of its education provision after an inspection by the Office for Standards in Education' s adult learning inspectorate.

In her report, the inspector said: "This is an outstanding college. Levels of achievement are outstanding. Learners make very good progress in a range of national awards and in their communication and personal skills."

She noted that more than 70% of third year leavers go into full- or part-time employment, with many of those who do not go directly into employment taking up higher level courses or voluntary work.

"Teaching and learning are outstanding, and the college's approach to meeting the needs and interests of learners and to social and educational inclusion is outstanding," she said.

Heaping praise on Maureen Tyler-Moore, and Susan Jenkins, director of hotel and catering, she said: "Leadership and management are outstanding. "The two directors provide inspirational leadership within a positive and supportive culture."

She said The college had made outstanding progress in addressing key issues from the last inspection.

"Strategic planning is very effective and the college's attention to the health and safety of learners is outstanding.

"Supportive managers and excellent team work contribute to the success of the college, and nearly all learners progress to an independent or semi-independent living environment."

Foxes is a residential college which operates as a fully functioning hotel for the general public. It currently trains 56 learners aged between 18-27.

Maureen Tyler-Moore said: "We are very proud of the fact we have been awarded Grade 1 for every one of the areas that Ofsted grade, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Foxes, as they have all contributed to these outstanding grades."

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