AN independent Chaddesley Corbett school has been awarded top marks in a glowing report by inspectors.

Winterfold House School was found to offer a wide ranging and high quality education and to have a warm, friendly, purposeful and caring Christian ethos.

The report, by the inspectors of the Independent Schools Council, highlighted many strengths, including effective teaching, which prepares pupils successfully for entry to a wide range of well-respected senior boarding and day schools.

Praise was given to the excellent range of facilities, the very good extra-curricular activities, the high level of pastoral care and the dedication of the hard-working staff.

The report concluded that the school had "no significant weaknesses" and made a few recommendations for improvements.

Headteacher, Bill Ibbetson-Price, paid tribute to the dedication of all the staff.

"The inspectors have rightly identified our many strengths," he added.

As a result of suggestions made by the inspectors, a gifted and talented co-ordinator has been appointed and all heads of department have devised methods for stretching more able pupils even further.

Staff workloads have been reviewed and detailed architects' drawings and estimated building costs were commissioned before the inspection, showing that the school was aware that some accommodation needed to be improved.

Phase one of its development plan, scheduled to start in July, 2005, will feature a £500,000 music school with a large teaching room and several soundproof practice rooms.