WORCESTER'S two post-16 colleges have been singled out by the Government which says the standard of education on offer is outstanding.

Both the College of Technology and Worcester Sixth Form College were praised by the Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell.

He announced his annual list of the most outstanding schools and colleges in England today. No other institution in the Worcester area was named.

Chris Morecroft, the principal of the College of Technology, said the success was down to attention to detail.

He said: "There are many colleges that have badly performing courses but inspectors found nothing unsatisfactory here.

"We have worked very hard over the last few years and what's nice to see is that not only have inspectors praised the college but it's been translated into fantastic results for our students too.

"We're really very proud and this announcement gives confidence to the people of Worcester that we have very high standards."

John Tredwell, the Principal of the sixth form college in Spetchley Road, said it was the expertise of his staff that contributed to the success.

He said: "We have an able and dedicated staff that run tight and effective departments.

"The college has enormous strength in depth. With nearly 300 A-level classes we can do subjects that schools can't offer.

"We are not distracted by other year groups, we can concentrate on post-16 education and offer that level of expertise."

The announcement will be a boost to the two colleges whose futures are to be reviewed by the Learning and Skills Council, paving the way for the possibility of Worcester's high schools to set up their own sixth forms.

Other Worcestershire schools in the list of 457 are Millfields First School, Bromsgrove, St John's CE First School in Kidderminster, St Kenelm's CE Primary School, in Romsley, near Halesowen, and St Mary's Catholic Primary in Studley.

Mr Bell said: "I applaud the headteachers, staff, governors and pupils or students of all the successful schools and colleges named in the list on their success and hard work in delivering such an excellent standard of education and training."