A UNIQUE national college based in Hereford which provided further education for people with visual impairments has been praised by a regulator.

Ofsted inspectors visited The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford in March 2017 and rated it 'good' in all areas.

Particular strengths highlighted by inspectors included the ‘broad and flexible curriculum which is tailored to meet the needs, abilities and goals of individual students, and leads to good development of their independence skills.’

The 'appropriately high expectations' of students by teaching staff was also highlighted.

College principal, Mark Fisher, said: "We are delighted with the results of this inspection. RNC is a unique national resource.

"Our students choose from a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and gain the qualifications that will help them achieve their potential. These study programmes are complemented with specialist support to develop the skills they need for an independent adult life. The two together make for an unbeatable package.”

Inspectors found that ‘students enjoy their learning, and most make good progress and achieve well; as a result, the large majority progress to employment, education or training.’

Mr Fisher added: "This is a particularly pleasing finding. The majority of working age adults with a visual impairment are not in work. The outcomes our students achieve prove that the RNC model works, and that sight loss need not be a barrier to a successful future."

The college, which was rated sixth in the National Diversity Awards Further Education sector last year as well as named Specialist College of the Year, was also praised for its approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.

They reported that ‘students have a high level of understanding of tolerance and democracy; they are respectful to their peers, staff and the wider community.’

Safeguarding arrangements were found to be ‘effective and focus strongly on the needs of the students.’

To improve further, inspectors said the college should ensure all health and safety risk-assessment documentation is up to date and for teachers to provide all students with learning targets specifically linked to the development of their written communication and numerical skills.