A college which has been at the centre of bullying and European funding investigations over the past year has received a positive endorsement from an external review conducted by Education Scotland.
The review of Adam Smith College comes as it prepares to merge with Carnegie College on August 1, when it will become Fife College.
The review praised the way teaching and support staff at Adam Smith College were working together to improve the quality of the learning experience for students.
In particular it was noted that the online interactive learning service, iLearn, is well-used by students and staff and has had a positive impact as the college moves towards new technologies and embraces an e-learning curriculum.
In recent years the college has also extended its range of access programmes and increased the number of opportunities offered at degree level through agreements with Abertay University, Heriot Watt University and the Open University.
Following feedback in the report from both students and HM inspectors the college is investing in various upgrades of the Nairn Building on the Priory Campus in Kirkcaldy to ensure it is of a more acceptable teaching standard with improved facilities.
The refurbishment activity will be scheduled over the summer break and completed in time for the start of the new academic year.
Key improvements to be carried out include creating new classrooms and sound-proofing existing ones, as well as introducing new breakout areas in the refectory and a complete redecoration.
Hugh Logan, principal designate for the new Fife College, says the report reflects positively on the college, especially the achievements of interim principal Martin McGuire.
He said: “The college has experienced a significant period of change and Martin has not only created stability, but ensured that the impact on staff and students was negligible.
“This has provided Adam Smith with a solid foundation on which to grow the new merged entity.
“I look forward to working with staff and students over the coming months to form a new college that is able and ready to respond to opportunities and continue to enhance the excellent learning experiences already in place.”
Ryan Smart, student union president at the college, has also welcomed the review and paid tribute to the commitment of the teaching staff.
“During the course of the last year in particular, the quality of support students have received from the teaching staff at the college has been superb.
“The students are full of praise for the professionalism of the teachers and how they have gone out of their way to encourage everyone to achieve their full potential.”