FOUR Suffolk schools had cause for celebration last night after four were named as some of the most successful in the country.Elmsett Primary and Stutton Primary, both near Ipswich, Great Whelnetham Primary, near Bury St Edmunds, and Bury's County Upper School were among 393 schools and colleges nationwide to be highlighted by Ofsted after an outstanding inspection report in 2003/04.

FOUR Suffolk schools had cause for celebration last night after four were named as some of the most successful in the country.

Elmsett Primary and Stutton Primary, both near Ipswich, Great Whelnetham Primary, near Bury St Edmunds, and Bury's County Upper School were among 393 schools and colleges nationwide to be highlighted by Ofsted after an outstanding inspection report in 2003/04.

It is the second time that Bury St Edmunds County Upper School has been on the prestigious list, first recognised in 1999.

Last week Castle Manor Community Upper School in Haverhill, Stradbroke High School, Newmarket Upper School and Debenham High School were granted specialist status.

Myra Shackleton, a teacher at Elmsett Primary, said: “We are absolutely delighted. It is a great boost for everyone associated with the school and to be mentioned in this way is very gratifying.

“It is a testament to the hard work of everyone here, but especially the headteacher Paul Marshall who is fantastic.

“We have a wonderful governing body, as are the parents and children, and a superb team of staff.”

Carol Ingham, headteacher at Whelnetham Primary, which has just opened a new child-care centre, added: “We are absolutely thrilled with the rating and it confirms something that we already believed.

“I have an excellent team of staff that just want the best for the children and it is lovely that this has been recognised.”

Anne Clarke, headteacher at Stutton, said that she was very pleased that the efforts of staff, governors, parents and pupils had been recognised.

“I think we give a well rounded education to our children and it's nice that we have been recognised for this,” she said.

Adrian Williams, headteacher at Bury St Edmunds County Upper School, added: “We are thrilled to bits to be included. It is not just based on inspections but on the overall quality of education at the school, including exam results.

“The staff, governors, parents and pupils have all worked really hard and deserve this success. It's nice to have a pat on the back occasionally.”

Meanwhile Aldeburgh Primary School, Holywells High School in Ipswich and The Albany Centre in Bury St Edmunds were all taken off special measures.

Tony Lewis, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for children and young people, praised the schools for their hard work and effort.

“I'm very pleased that these schools have been recognised for their achievements in the chief inspector's annual report,” he said.

“So many people put in hours of hard work to make sure that our young people have the best education possible, and I'm sure they are particularly pleased to get this mention.

“I look forward to these schools building on their success for the future.”