Trustees, staff and students from Fairfield Farm College are celebrating after an outstanding Ofsted result.

The independent specialist college for pupils with learning difficulties, which is located in Dilton Marsh, was awarded good for overall effectiveness and outstanding in the work it does to ensure pupils are able to make informed choices about their own health and wellbeing, and in the positive contribution they make to the community.

Ofsted inspectors also commented that teaching and learning are good and that pupils receive encouragement and appropriate feedback from staff.

College principal Janet Kenward is delighted with the report and praised the college’s 58 staff, who look after 38 pupils, 32 of whom live at the farm.

She said: “Last time we were given satisfactory in all areas and this time it’s good and outstanding which is just wonderful.

“The staff have all worked really hard to ensure that we improve. It’s not something that can just happen in a couple of weeks, we’ve been working on this since our last inspection four years ago.”

The college, which was recognised as offering a 3* excellent service – the highest rating it can be awarded – for its residential provision by the Care Quality Commission, is currently undergoing an expansion.

A new shop, café and conference facility are being built on the main site in order to make its work-based learning opportunities even better.

Mrs Kenward added: “Our next big project at the moment is building the cafe, shop and conference centre. The purpose of this is for the students to gain real work experience before they go off to their work experience placements.”

“This will support the partnership working with students from the Foundation Studies department at Wiltshire College, some of whom undertake modules of practical work-based learning at Fairfield.”

For more information about the college visit www.fairfieldopportunityfarm.ac.uk.