THE principal of a widely criticised college has welcomed the progress offered by its latest Ofsted report.

Epping Forest College interim principal Jeannie Wright said the newly published report, which grades the college as “satisfactory”, showed that the once struggling institute had now turned the corner.

The College, in Borders Lane, Loughton, had attracted wide-spread concern at its last Ofsted when it was graded the lowest mark possible of 4 and registered “inadequate” in many areas.

In the latest report Government inspector Lindsay Hebditch states: “The college has recovered well since its previous inspection when overall effectiveness was judged inadequate.

“The majority of its provision is now satisfactory, and improving. Staff morale is high and the majority of learners work hard and are happy.”

The report singles out Ms Wright and the new senior management at the college for special praise in turning round poor results.

She said: “Staff have a great deal to be proud of. They have worked extremely hard since the last inspection to drive through significant improvements.

“We are already working on the inspectors’ recommendations of what we need to do to secure further improvement. Our staff are committed to further progress.”

The college has an Open Event on Saturday, June 26, from 10am to 2pm and is taking applications until September 2010 for courses where places are still available. For further information call 020 8502 8778.