THE Grange School in Hartford is celebrating after it was described as an 'outstanding' school in an Ofsted report.

The school was congratulated for providing 'a wide ranging education of the highest quality' and having an exceptional relationship between teachers and pupils.

Headteacher Christopher Jeffery said: "I am delighted with the verdict of the inspection teams and very proud of the staff and pupils at The Grange.

"Their hard work and high standards over many years have been fully recognised through such a rigorous process.

"I am particularly pleased that the inspectors could see beyond the obvious academic successes of the school to the breadth of the education we offer and the quality of the relationships that make the school so special and sought after."

The high school and junior school were praised in the report, which highlighted the pastoral care and behaviour and high quality of learning and teaching.

The school is now hoping to build on the success of the report in the future.

Mr Jeffery said: "Overall the reports provide a warm and ringing endorsement of how far the school has come in recent years.

"The inspectors have made some helpful suggestions for further improvements, most of which we have begun to address."