FELSTED School has been adjudged as “outstanding” in its latest Ofsted inspection.

The school this week announced that the “hard work of pupils, parents, teachers, governors and indeed the wider school community has been acknowledged in a glowing 2011 Ofsted inspection report on Felsted’s pastoral care and welfare”.

The report reads: “Felsted School excels in its ability to offer a rich, life enhancing experience dedicated to the development of the whole person.

“It has proven excellence in sports, music, drama and the arts, and exceptional provision is made for gifted and talented pupils and staff demonstrate passion and genuine commitment to their respective roles within a cohesive family atmosphere.”

Felsted was judged outstanding in each of the six areas with “no recommendations for improvement” – a rare accolade.

This is a judgement against an overall standard for independent schools and a statement of where it stands in comparison to others.

Headmaster Dr Michael Walker said: “As one of only a handful of schools with this rating in the country, Felsted can now be considered a national leader in terms of its care.

“No other school has a better Ofsted report than Felsted.”

Felsted currently cares for 523 students, aged 13 to 18, 80 per cent of whom board for between three and seven nights per week.

One fifth of the school is international with 26 nationalities and 25 languages represented.

With eight Boarding Houses and two Day Houses, girls and boys can study and grow in a homely, comfortable and safe environment.

Ofsted reported that “pupils thrive within an environment that encourages them to fulfil their potential both educationally and socially”.