AN Altrincham school has been hailed as 'excellent', and its pupils 'exemplary' by inspectors.

And staff at Loreto Preparatory School are praised as being 'excellent role models who successfully inspire their pupils to aim for the highest standards' in the latest report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The girls' school, which has 168 pupils aged from three to 11, was highly praised in the three-day inspection, which looked at both academic achievements and personal development of the children.

"The standard of work evident by the time the pupils leave school is well above the nationally expected levels in English and mathematics and most pupils are successful in gaining places, against strong competition, at selective schools for the next stage of their education," read the report.

"Children receive an excellent start in the Foundation Stage and make rapid progress, particularly in their personal, social, writing and reading skills.

"Throughout the school the pupils' attitudes to learning are exemplary. They are highly motivated and their behaviour is excellent.

"The ethos of the school instils self-discipline and a strong work ethic."

And the report highlighted the behaviour of pupils at Loreto, which is holding an open morning on Saturday, March 4, for parents interested in enrolling their daughters at the school.

"The behaviour of pupils in lessons and around the school is impeccable," added the inspectors.

"The school's aims result in the development of excellent social, moral, spiritual and cultural qualities in all the pupils.

"Pupils view the school as a family and show great respect for each other's culture, opinions and beliefs."

Headteacher Helen Norwood said: "I'm delighted with the outcome of the inspection. This shows our school provides an outstanding education for each of our pupils.

"Everyone in the school, especially our pupils, worked extremely hard to achieve this result and I would like to thank them all."