FIVE local schools were praised this week by schools chief inspector David Bell, following an annual report by the Office for Standards in Education.

The report The Annual Report on Standards and Quality in Education 2001-2002 published on Wednesday, lists schools and colleges which have received outstanding Ofsted reports.

It also lists those schools removed from special measures following significant improvement.

Five local primary and secondary schools Cassiobury Infant and Nursery, Christchurch, Newberries Primary, Nascot Wood Infant and Nursery and Parmiter's were among 600 praised by the chief inspector following their position in the report.

Mr Bell said: "I believe these successes are a testament to the talent and dedication of the staff who work in these schools and colleges and the pupils themselves."

February 7, 2003 12:00