ONE of the region's colleges has been both praised and criticised by Government inspectors.

Middlesbrough College was inspected by the Further Education Funding Council.

While it was praised by inspectors for being in a strong financial position, offering a wide range of academic and vocational courses and having an attractive campus, the teaching standards were criticised.

The report said: "The governance of the college is outstanding. It is open and well clerked.

"The college is in a strong financial position. It is well managed and has clear lines of accountability and effective communications.

"Overall retention and achievement rates are improving, but they remain poor on some courses.

"The college should improve the unsatisfactory results in science, the rigour of course reviews, the quality of teaching and learning, the effectiveness of tutorials, the use of accommodation and student access to IT."