AN OUTSTANDING Ofsted rating is not the only cause for celebration at Ruskin Mill College, which has also managed to cut its electricity consumption significantly this year.

Power bills between September 2009 and May 31 show a whopping 21 per cent decrease in electrical use by students and staff, who have been working on a host of energy saving initiatives with Ecotricity and the Severn Wye Energy Agency (SWEA) over the past two years.

As well as this, Ofsted inspectors awarded the special college the highest effectiveness rating in almost every area – commenting that the centre is ‘outstanding in the way it provides for its students.’ The report also praises levels of care, guidance and support and the provision of teaching, which is said to be focused ‘strongly on each student’s choices and interests and engages their attention exceptionally.’ "Students make exceptional progress in developing practical skills to a very high standard," it reads.

"Self-confidence increases significantly and students develop social and communication skills and their ability to manage their own behaviour particularly well."

Other areas worthy of merit include the range of programmes and resources on offer, achievements of national awards and student contribution to the running of the college.

However, improvement is still required to give students experience of employment and tutors have been told to integrate more reading and writing skills in programmes.

The findings of the energy saving pilot tops off a triumphant year at the Rudolf Steiner-inspired college, which provides educational workshops for young people with learning difficulties.

In all, 11 properties on site, 10 of which are residential halls, took part in the programme and managed to save more than £9,000 in bills compared to same September – May period last year.

Both Ecotricity and SWEA offered information and training to staff and students and Ecotricity donated 11 energy monitors for use in the households.

"A 21 per cent decrease in energy consumption is quite spectacular, particularly bearing in mind we experienced one of the coldest winters for many years," said the college’s fundraising and development manager Siân Williams.

"This is the result of inexpensive solutions such as swapping to low energy light bulbs and changes in behaviour like turning off all electrical equipment when not in use."

For more information about the college and its work visit www.rmet.org.uk