STUDENTS and staff at an independent school are celebrating after achieving top marks following an inspection.

Felsted School, near Dunmow, was inspected over three days in March by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate, the regulatory body for independent schools.

It was found to be excellent in the two key inspection areas – academic achievement and personal development

The inspection covered both the main and prep schools which have more than 1,000 pupils in total.

Headteacher Chris Townsend said: “This is a tribute to the hard work of all the staff, pupils, governors and, of course, parents in supporting the school’s vision to provide the very best all round education, and develop young people of character, who will make a difference in the world around them.”

Prep school headteacher Simon James said: “I am thrilled that the inspectors found our pupils to be highly successful, with notably positive attitudes to learning and a belief that they will succeed.”

However, the school was told it could improve how pupils think about achieving their targets and try to help the prep school pupils become more “independent learners”.

It is the latest piece of good news for the school, after Government statistics showed that pupils’ academic progress at Felsted between GCSE and A-level is inside the top 5 per cent of all schools in the UK.

The inspectorate’s report said: “Pupils develop high levels of knowledge, understanding and skills through an imaginative curriculum, meticulous planning and excellent relationships between staff and pupils.

“Pupils demonstrate highly positive attitudes to their learning from an early age.

“Pupils’ support and consideration for each other is outstanding amongst all ages.”