ONE of the borough's largest colleges has been praised by inspectors for considerably improving standards of teaching.

Sir George Monoux in Chingford Road, Walthamstow, was criticised by Ofsted in 2010 for inadequate performance in some subjects.

But following a visit last month the watchdog has increased the college's rating from satisfactory to good, with some outstanding elements.

George Monoux, which has more than 2,000 full-time students, was praised for its ambitious management, quality of teaching and results.

Inspectors also singled out its "harmonious and purposeful environment for learning" and said students were given good preparation for going on to further education or employment.

It comes after a series of changes at the college by new principal Paolo Ramella.

He controversially cut back the college's middle management by merging some departments last year, which prompted the National Union of Teachers (NUT) to threaten strike action.

However the union backed down when it was given assurances there would be no compulsory redundancies.

The leadership of Mr Ramella and other senior managers was praised by inspectors for helping to raise the aspirations of students, many of whom come from deprived backgrounds.

The college's humanities and social sciences teaching was singled out for specific praise, with inspectors describing them as outstanding.

But Ofsted said there were still some improvements needed in teaching in other subjects, and that the English and maths skills of students needed to be developed.

Mr Ramella said: "I am delighted that all aspects of the college were graded either outstanding or good.

"The inspection team has set out a clear pathway for the college to achieve outstanding status in every aspects.

"The quality of our teaching, learning and assessment is geared to ensuring that students of all ability make consistently good progress in all subjects."

Ofsted Inspectors said: "The quality of teaching, learning and assessment, outcomes for learners and the effectiveness of leadership and management are all good.

"Most learners attain their learning goals and many make good or better progress."