Assa, a national provider of lifelong learning, has been given three “outstanding” ratings by the Adult Learning Inspectorate.

The North-eastern firm achieved grade one for its leadership and management, and for two more areas of learning. Two other areas were rated “good”.

The firm believes these are the best grades ever awarded to a broad-based, rather than an industry-specific, provider.

Peter Marples, managing director, said: “The inspection validates our performance and the most rewarding aspect was the high levels of learner and employer satisfaction.”

ALI’s chief inspector David Sherlock said: “We are pleased learners at Assa are benefiting from a high-quality approach.”

Assa began by training engineers in the car industry. Earlier this year it won a pound;2 million deal to teach young footballers.