Malsis School in Cross Hills has been given a glowing report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The Inspectorate, which monitors all the independent schools in the country, described achievement by pupils at the boarding school as excellent.

Inspectors said that pupils achieved very well and made excellent progress across an extensive range of subjects and activities, from Latin to bush-craft.

He said: “The pupils’ attitude to learning is outstanding. They are articulate, interact confidently with adults and their peers and demonstrate independence and initiative.”

Inspectors discovered “virtually all” pupils gained entry to their first choice of secondary school, with a significant proportion gaining scholarships, indicating progress in both academic and non-academic fields.

Inspectors added: “The personal development of pupils is excellent. They develop with confidence, safe in the knowledge that they will be valued as individuals.

“Pupils are perceptive, humble and self-aware, which is what the school refers to as the Malsis style. Pupils are open-minded, critical and reflective.

“The provision for the welfare, health and safety of pupils is excellent, as is the quality of the boarding experience.”

Governance, leadership and management were described by the inspectors as good.

The inspectors advised Malsis to ensure its school development plan was sufficiently detailed and fully reflected the vision of governors and senior leaders.

Malsis headmaster Marcus Peel said the Independent Schools Inspectorate was extremely thorough and set the highest standards.

He said: "This year’s report makes heart-warming and very encouraging reading. What I am particularly pleased about is that the guide has highlighted both the hard work done by our pupils in achieving outstanding results and the fact that they love being here.

“We try to maintain the balance between academic rigour, and creating a fun, friendly and caring environment. It is fantastic that the Inspectorate has recognised this.”