HEREFORDSHIRE has topped the ratings table for schools in the West Midlands.

Ofsted’s annual report on children’s services and skills has recognised that 95% of the county’s primary schools are rated as good or outstanding.

Inspectors also found that the county has the highest rate of improvement in the proportion of good or outstanding secondary schools in the West Midlands.

Herefordshire schools also came out on top in the results for the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in key stage 2 in reading, writing and maths.

The county was ranked the highest for its rate of improvement in the proportion of good or outstanding secondary schools compared with 2017.

Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, cabinet member for children and families said: “We are extremely pleased with the findings of the Ofsted annual report and it’s great to see Herefordshire’s schools coming out on top in the West Midlands results.

“Herefordshire Council recognises the importance of offering children and young people a high standard of education and the council works closely with schools across the county to deliver this.

“We believe the high ratings are down to the passion of the staff working in education in the county and I would like to thank them all for their continued hard work and dedication.”