KELLY College and Kelly College Preparatory are celebrating the 'outstanding' results of inspections carried out by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and Ofsted.

Between the two schools they achieved two 'outstanding', two 'very good' and six 'good' judgements, accompanied by a whole host of positive comments.

Inspectors commended the senior school for 'maintaining most successfully an environment in which pupils are happy, secure, confident and valued'. Inspectors praised the outstanding quality of pastoral care, the outstanding support and guidance provided by staff for pupils, the excellent relationships between staff and pupils and observed that the behaviour of the pupils was outstanding.

They said the quality of teaching was very good and the high quality of the relationships between teacher and pupils helped to create an excellent classroom environment.

The inspectors concluded that 'the high quality of the education provided by the current leadership and management is notable, particularly for the outstanding success of the co-curricular programme; this is being balanced by their achievement in helping pupils to realise their academic potential'.

ISI is the independent schools sector's equivalent of Ofsted. Inspections take place every six years. The latest inspection was carried out in November 2009, with the official report published in February 2010.

Kelly College headmaster Dr Graham Hawley was delighted with the reports; 'We knew that we had all the essential ingredients for an excellent education and it is particularly pleasing to have this acknowledged by the inspection team.

'There are many positive comments in the reports and several aspects of Kelly were judged "outstanding" or "very good" and all were rated good or better. There are recommendations for further improvement and we will continue to develop all that we offer to provide a first class education.'

At Kelly College Preparatory School, inspectors praised the 'outstanding pastoral care'. They also highlighted 'the outstanding relationships between staff and pupil' and noted that these 'underpin the high quality of care, guidance and personal development of pupils' The very good behavior of the pupils was also praised and the inspectors noted that this, combined with their attitude of being willing learners, were strong features in supporting their achievement. The inspection team concluded that 'good leadership and management have been effective in maintaining the quality of provision.'

Richard Stevenson, Kelly College Preparatory School headmaster said: 'I am very proud of the feedback from the inspectors, all of whom commented on the caring ethos and the very positive relationships between the staff and the pupils.

'I am delighted that the inspectors were so impressed with the wonderful atmosphere and our outstanding pastoral care. The attainment of pupils at the different stages was found to be well above the national norms. As a non-selective school it is a delight to be acknowledged for raising standards and achievement and we will continue to give the children the best possible preparation for the next step in their education.'