SOUTH East Essex College has been praised for its “strong and visionary leadership” in its latest Ofsted report.

However, a small number of courses need to be brought up to standard, according to inspectors who visited the college in May.

Staff have also been asked to ensure all students are challenged to achieve their best.

But overall, the college was rated as “good”, with significantly improved teaching and a good curriculum.

Jan Hodges, the college’s principal and chief executive, said: “We are extremely pleased the hard work of our students and staff has been recognised.

“The inspectors agreed with our own assessment and there were no major surprises.”

She described the inspectors’ recommendations as “minor”, and said the college was already aware of them.

Inspectors said the college had a good track record in responding to recommendations made in Ofsted reports.

It also listed nine key strengths the college has, including “very strong and visionary leadership”.

School or colleges can be ranked as inadequate, satisfactory, good and outstanding in Oftsed reports.