A South Hams secondary has won the highest possible accolade from education inspectors who have judged it an "exceptional and outstanding" school.

Kingsbridge Community College was judged to be "outstanding" in each of the 43 separate categories graded by the Ofsted inspectors.

This is a rare accolade, achieved by only 1 per cent of the 1,300 secondary schools inspected last year.

Inspectors found a "very happy community of adults and students who all want to learn".

They were impressed by the very positive relationships throughout the school, and the atmosphere of mutual respect, loyalty and trust.

Principal Roger Pope: "I am thrilled with this recognition for our staff and students."

They judged that students "make exceptional progress and achieve outstanding examination results at GCSE and in the sixth form" as a result of the college's "innovative approaches and the stimulating, interesting teaching".

It was not just the exam results that impressed the inspectors, who visited the school two weeks ago.

Wider aspects of education were also praised, with students "benefiting from outstanding care guidance resulting in outstanding social and moral development".

Principal Roger Pope was delighted with the Ofsted report. "I am thrilled with this recognition for our staff and students," he said.

"We want to develop well-rounded, mature, independent thinkers and I am especially pleased that the report recognises this as well as praising our academic success.

"People ask where we go next - the answer is that we keep on trying to achieve even more."

Janet Turner, chairman of governors for the past three years, said: "The governors are immensely proud of the staff, students and parents in achieving this 'outstanding' result.

"They show an exceptional level of co-operation, compassion and respect which underpins the ethos and success of the college."

Rufus Gilbert, Mayor of Kingsbridge, added: "Having an excellent school is a boost for the town and its economy. Many congratulations to the College and well done to the young people."