Richmond College said it is "extremely pleased" after being praised by the education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors visited the college in Twickenham for an 'interim visit report', largely focussed on its response to teaching amid the coronavirus pandemic.

It found that 250 laptops have been given to support students who would otherwise be unable to study online. "Staff have received support and training to help them develop their online teaching skills. This has helped them become increasingly confident to teach using online learning techniques," the report says.

"Managers have also introduced a range of new courses in response to local demand. For example, they have set up a series of two-week employability courses, in partnership with the local job centre, in response to an increase in unemployment locally."

The number of students aged 16-19 enrolling at the college has actually increased despite covid. The college currently has 2,105 students aged 16 to 18, as well as 351 adults and 120 apprentices on its books.

These apprenticeship students have been particularly hard-hit as many have been placed on furlough.

Ofsted said alternative ways to support them have been found: "For example, in business administration, they have established a peer support network between apprentices to maintain morale, and assist apprentices get back on track."

The report adds: "Teachers and students recognise some of the benefits of the current mix of online and face-to-face teaching. For example, due to smaller class sizes, teachers state that behaviour has improved, and that students make quicker progress as they receive more support. Students feel that teachers support them particularly well, both in lessons and online."

Welcoming the findings, the college said: "We are extremely pleased with the positive comments from our Ofsted Interim visit report, which was on our Covid-19 adaptations.

"The report highlights how quickly we adapted our curriculum delivery to online, whilst ensuring the safety of students and staff and making sure they have been well supported during this difficult time."