KELLY College Prep School is celebrating, after this week receiving a top-grade review from The Good Schools Guide — an independent reviewer of state and private schools.

The award follows the school's latest ISI inspection describing the quality of pastoral care as 'outstanding'.

The inspectors said: 'Parents we spoke to relished the opportunities Kelly Prep offers, both in smaller class sizes and extra curricular activities. They spoke of their offspring's burgeoning confidence derived from individual nurture.'

The report observed that a tremendous variety of sports is on offer – and that there was a positive feeling of 'punching above their weight'.

The recurring theme of the report was the 'ethos' of the school, which focused upon 'the whole child within the whole picture' and coupled a 'lively' and 'approachable' staff with 'a cross curricular approach'.

The inspectors said Kelly Prep was a 'very happy, unpretentious school' in 'beautiful rural surroundings' displaying a 'love of learning, a genuine sense of community within and without the school'.

Headteacher Mathew Foale said 'We are naturally delighted to receive this report from such an important and influential guide.

'It reflects the superb atmosphere at Kelly Prep, but also the wonderful achievement of the children in so many areas of school life.'

l Kelly Prep is holding open days on January 27 and March 9 or interested families can book in an individual tour – call the school on 01822 612919 for information or visit http://www.kellycollegeprep.com">www.kellycollegeprep.com