Nearly 20 schools, colleges and other education schemes
in Shropshire have been named as being among the top performers in the country in a new report by a Government watchdog.

A total of 19 providers including childminders, schools,
colleges and pupil referral units across the county have been judged by Ofsted inspectors as outstanding in their overall effectiveness or provision of care.

The list produced by the education watchdog covers inspections carried out between August 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008.

• To see the list in full click to the next page

Among those deemed to be outstanding providers are boarding school Shrewsbury School, Prestfelde School, an independent prep school in Shrewsbury, and St John’s Catholic Primary School in Bridgnorth.

Others featuring in the list include The White House School in Whitchurch and the Tuition, Medical and Behaviour Support Service in Shrewsbury.

In the Telford & Wrekin local authority area institutions such as Adams Grammar School in Newport, and Madeley Infant School and Hollinswood Infant and Nursery School, both in
Telford, were in the top inspection bracket.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire County Council cabinet member for children’s services, said the number of outstanding education providers in the area was testament to the quality of teaching and level of care available in the county.

She said: “We should recognise the excellent work of teachers and pupils at all of our schools across Shropshire, achieving consistently high standards.”

Ofsted says the proportion of providers inspected in each local authority area varies from year to year and providers inspected do not necessarily represent the local authority as a whole.

The watchdog was formed in bringing together four separate inspectorates. Its staff carry out hundreds of inspections and regulatory visits of schools and other education providers.

By Russell Roberts