On a visit to City College Brighton and Hove, Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, has spoken of her admiration for the College in light of the news that in terms of full-time course success rates, it is now 14th in the league of England's 234 General Further Education Colleges.

For Level 3 (A-level equivalent) course success rates, City College is now the 5^th highest performing College in the country and is the top performing Further Education College in Sussex.

Caroline said: "I feel so proud of all the students and staff at City College, because these success rates show that they are doing an amazing job.

"Whenever I've been at the College talking to students, they seem so committed and motivated. I think this is a wonderful achievement for both the College and the city.

"For local parents who are looking at the options open to their sons and daughters, I would say that they should look at what City College has achieved and talk to some of the students who have done the courses. It has a huge amount to offer."

City College Principal Phil Frier said:

"To have such wholehearted support from a public figure of Caroline's stature really means a lot to City College.

"I hope it raises awareness of the fact that the College is the kind of place that students from all kinds of backgrounds and with a range of different educational needs can achieve at the highest level."

ENDS

Notes

City College is still recruiting for a range of courses starting in September 2011. For more information, see http://www.ccb.ac.uk/ or call course information on 01273 667759. The next Interview Day for full-time applicants will take place on the afternoon of Thursday 30th June.

For City College media enquiries, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk website http://www.ccb.ac.uk/

About City College Brighton and Hove: Situated in the heart of Brighton, City College Brighton and Hove has become an international centre of vocational excellence.

Every year, 2,000 full-time, 7,000 part time, almost 400 Higher Education and 400 14-16 year old students as well as many international and European students choose City College as their place of further and higher education training.

In addition, the College provides training to over 2,000 businesses via its ‘City Business Skills' department which focuses on employer training needs.

Offering over 700 courses from basic level right through to business and postgraduate training, City College is working with its partners to develop the workforce of the future.