THE SUCCESS of Hampshire schools has been highlighted by a strong showing in the chief inspector of schools' annual report on quality, which is published today.

Top inspector David Bell has singled out 14 Hampshire schools and colleges and three from Southampton for special praise.

The schools or colleges stood out from all their peers inspected this year, and were among just 55 in the south-east to be held up as an example.

To feature in the list, schools must have "outstanding" Ofsted inspection reports or have shown significant improvements.

Head teacher of Fairisle Infant and Nursery School Susanne Ottens felt their mention was just reward.

She said: "This is a credit to all the children, staff, governors and parents, who have worked hard to ensure the success of Fairisle Infant and Nursery School.

"By working in partnership, we endeavour to provide the best possible pastoral care and educational experience for the children. We look forward to building even further on this considerable achievement. Well done to all concerned."

St Anne's Convent School head teacher Catherine Hargarden said: "We welcome this tribute to the ethos of the school and the commitment of the staff and pupils to a good all-round education for young women."

City education bosses were also smiling.

Executive director of lifelong learning and leisure Ian Sandbrook said: "I am delighted that the hard work of these schools has been recognised by Ofsted. Last year we had two schools highlighted in the chief inspector's annual report and we have done even better this year with three schools honoured.

"Fairisle Infant and Nursery School should feel proud of its excellent early years practice, while Regents Park Girls' School sees its work on training new teachers gain the recognition it deserves and St Anne's Convent School has its status as a beacon school affirmed."

Over at Eastleigh's Barton Peveril College, principal Godfrey Glyn said: "It is fantastic to be recognised as being particularly successful. It is down to the hard work of governors, staff and students."

In July 2002 Barton Peveril was named as one of the best colleges in the country by Ofsted inspectors, with 81 per cent of lessons observed graded as outstanding, or good and was awarded beacon status for its quality.

Hampshire County Council's executive member for education, Councillor Don Allen, said: "The teachers, governors and pupils of the schools featured in this year's annual report from Ofsted are to be congratulated. They reflect the high standards being reached in Hampshire through the dedicated hard work of school staff, governors and pupils."

SCHOOLS ON THE OFSTED PRAISE LIST:

HAMPSHIRE:

Alton College

Barton Peveril College

Alton Infant School

Bushy Leaze Early Years Centre

Fawley Infant School

Heatherside Infant School

Hook Junior School

Hook-with-Warsash Primary School

Ranvilles Junior School

Romsey Infant School

The Priory Primary School

The Mountbatten School

Thornden School

St Edward's School

SOUTHAMPTON:

Fairisle Infant and Nursery School

Regent's Park Girl's School

St Anne's Convent School