IT is official – Henry Beaufort School in Winchester is ‘outstanding’ in the eyes of inspectors.

They have just published their report after visiting the school in Harestock earlier this year, and the document salutes the progress that is being made.

Inspectors said: “Henry Beaufort is an outstanding school where one of the most striking features is its sense of community underpinned by the belief that every student can succeed. They certainly do.”

The school was examined on several issues, and was found to be ‘outstanding’ in more than half of them, and ‘good’ in the rest.

It comes after the school was named amongst the top ten per cent in Britain in terms of pupil progress for 11 to 16-year-olds.

Head teacher Jonathan de Sausmarez said: “To be considered one of the top schools in the country is a fantastic achievement for everyone connected with the school.

“Recently, it has been reported that only nine per cent of schools nationally are gaining this ‘outstanding’ top category so it makes this award even more special.

“I am very proud of the hard work of staff, our very supportive parents and most importantly our brilliant students.

“However, we will not be complacent and will continue to make Henry Beaufort not just an outstanding school but world class in every respect. We want this to be a springboard for even better things.”

The ‘outstanding’ grade given to Henry Beaufort comes after inspectors were equally impressed with Kings’ and The Westgate Schools, the two other state secondary schools in Winchester.