SUFFOLK'S top performing schools have been revealed in an annual report by the industry regulator Ofsted.

THE top performing schools in Suffolk and Essex have been revealed in an annual report by the industry regulator Ofsted.

Twenty two schools in Suffolk were judged by inspectors to be 'outstanding' as were 20 childminders and five social care providers for the period 2008/09.

Among the local primary schools to achieve outstanding reports were Castle Hill Infant School in Ipswich, Bealings School near Woodbridge, Great Barton CoE in Bury St Edmunds and Mellis CoE.

The two secondary schools to gain outstanding reports were Kesgrave High School and Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College in Haverhill.

Two boarding schools were also judged as outstanding, these were Culford School in Bury and Orwell Park School in Ipswich.

Among the four local special schools judged as outstanding was Hillside Special School in Sudbury.

It was the third time the school had received the rating and headteacher Sue Upson said she was 'absolutely delighted'.

She added: “The inspectors recognised that everyone in the school has a passion for it.

“I believe the commitment and dedication of the staff and governors and the incredible support of parents and pupils and the local community are key to Hillside's continued success.”

Councillor Graham Newman, portfolio holder for children, schools and young peoples services, said: “We are very encouraged by the Ofsted assessments we received during 2008/09.

“Not only were there a significant number judged to be outstanding but a far greater number assessed as good. This confirms our belief that we seek to maintain a high standard in all our establishments and I congratulate the schools and providers for their excellent achievements.”

In Essex 27 schools, 85 childcare providers and two social care providers were judged to be outstanding.

Tanglewood Nursery School in Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford , has been judged as outstanding three times by Ofsted inspectors.

Headteacher Ann Barker said: "We were all thrilled to receive our third outstanding Ofsted in June.

“We are passionate about the children's learning and continually strive to seek the very best care and nursery education for our children.”

Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills, said: “I would like to congratulate all who contributed to the success of outstanding provision across all areas of education, training and children's social care in Suffolk.

“This is good news, not just for the providers but for the children, young people and learners who benefit from such excellent services.”

The list of schools that had failed their inspections was not made available by Ofsted.

The full list of Suffolk Primary Schools to achieve outstanding Ofsted reports includes: Bacton Community, Bealings School near Woodbridge, Castle Hill Infant School in Ipswich, Forest Community in Brandon, Great Barton CoE in Bury St Edmunds, Hintlesham and Chattisham CoE in Ipswich, Kersey CoE, Mells CoE near Eye, Middleton Community in Saxmundham, Nayland Primary, Risby CoE in Bury St Edmunds, Sebert Wood Community in Bury St Edmunds, Tattingstone CoE near Ipswich.

The two secondary schools to gain outstanding reports are Kesgrave High School and Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College in Haverhill.

Two boarding schools to get the prize are Culford School in Bury and Orwell Park School in Ipswich.

Four local special schools to get the title are Beacon Hill in Ipswich, Hillside in Sudbury, The Ashley School in Lowestoft and Thomas Wolsey in Ipswich.