A WINCHESTER school is celebrating after it was declared ‘excellent’ following an inspection earlier this year.

Twyford School received glowing results in its Independent Schools Inspectorate assessment, which took place in May.

Inspectors looked at pupils’ academic achievement and learning, the curriculum, teaching, pupil development, pastoral care, health, welfare and safety, boarding provision, leadership and management and governance, with all scoring excellent, equivalent to an Ofsted outstanding grade.

The report said: “Pupils are extremely well educated in line with the school’s aims. The dynamic, carefully planned curriculum provides pupils with a rich learning experience, and they benefit from a considerable range of extra-curricular activities developed in response to the previous inspection.

“Pupils are self-reliant and they have a natural confidence. As they move up the school, and when they leave, pupils are extremely well-prepared for each stage of their education.”

Headteacher Dr Steve Bailey said: “As an ISI Inspector myself, I have rarely seen such an overwhelmingly strong endorsement of a school as is contained in this Report.

“One of my aims in taking on the role of Headmaster at Twyford School, in January 2010, has been to make sure it is recognised as one of the best schools of its kind in the South of England. I think this Inspection Report can be taken as a very good indication that real expert opinion suggests we are just that!”

The inspectors identified two areas for improvement - extending the heads of department's role to ensure consistently rigorous monitoring of teaching and coming up with a process for teachers to share learning strategies.

Dr Bailey added: “It’s the first inspection during my time here and clearly the school wasn’t broken when I arrived but I think we are going from strength to strength.”

The Church of England school has more than 400 pupils aged three-13 and offers both day and boarding education.