THERE can be no hiding from the grim reality of the latest Ofsted report on Darlington College – no window dressing which can make it any more presentable.

For a college to go from "outstanding" at the last inspection in 2009 to "inadequate" within six years is an educational embarrassment.

Darlington College is one of the cornerstones of the community, with a vital role in the local economy, but its once proud reputation is in tatters today.

The glowing report in 2009 was all the more remarkable because it came in the midst of major upheaval, with a move to a £35m campus.

That report placed Darlington College among the best further education colleges in the country, but principal Sarah Robinson moved on shortly afterwards and was replaced by Tim Grant. Mr Grant led the college for five years before retiring last summer.

It is true that austerity and the loss of a valuable Ministry of Defence contract changed the financial climate considerably during Mr Grant’s tenure. The loss of funding undoubtedly added to the challenges but it cannot be used as the whole excuse for the weak management, ineffective teaching, low ambition and poor results highlighted in Ofsted’s damning report.

What it shows is that investment in new facilities is important, but it will always be secondary to having the right kind of leadership.

Already this year, we have seen Oftsed inspectors condemn St Aidan's Academy in Darlington despite millions of pounds being spent on a shiny new building and a fresh image.

Ultimately, the key to successful education is down to having the right people in the right positions – people who are capable of inspiring students and other staff.

It now falls to Kate Roe, who took over from Mr Grant last summer, to rebuild the college’s reputation. It will take the kind of strong leadership and vision which has been sadly lacking in recent years.

We wish her well – because Darlington College is far too important to the local community to be branded a failure.