PUPILS at a Dorchester school have been praised following a visit by inspectors.

Education at Sunninghill Preparatory School in South Walks received a resounding endorsement in its report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

The report stated: “The school’s main aim is to provide an outstanding, individualised and broad education in a stimulating learning environment.

“It strives to ensure all pupils are happy, motivated and able to achieve the best of their ability.

“It seeks to prepare all its pupils for a successful and fulfilling life as citizens of the world, who contribute actively to helping others.”

Pupils’ personal development at the school was described as ‘excellent’.

The inspectors’ report stated: “Pupils of all ages show excellent personal development, reflected in the very strong sense of family and community apparent within the school.

“Pupils display a very strong sense of spirituality in their daily routine and interaction.

“They are confident, self-aware and able to reflect on important issues in their lives.”

Headteacher Andrew Roberts- Wray said the school’s impressive exam results and strong academic performance was ‘only part of the story’.

He said: “The future looks very encouraging thanks to an excellent inspection report.

“Good performances as individuals and teams in sport, an exceptional record in speech and drama and our outdoor education programme as a particular strength were all appreciated by the inspectors.

“Above all it is the excellent personal development of our pupils that is most pleasing to have recognised.

“Our pupils were seen as confident, self-aware, orderly, polite and friendly, who show respect for both their peers and teaching staff alike.

“The report also highlighted the outstanding pastoral care and excellent relationships we have with our parents.”

Early years provision at the school, which currently has 145 pupils between the age of three and 13, was also described as ‘outstanding’ in the report.

Areas where the report suggested the school could improve included improving record keeping systems, continuing to develop creative thinking skills and allowing more management time for senior leaders.

l Sunninghill Preparatory School is holding two open days on March 12 and March 16 from 10am to 12.30pm.