STAFF and pupils at three schools in Dorset are celebrating because they have been told by government inspectors that they are the best in the country.

St Edward's in Poole, Allenbourn Middle in Wimborne and Sandford CofE Middle in Wareham have been listed in the country's top 415 schools in Ofsted's annual report published today.

The list refers to schools which received outstanding reports from their inspections in 2002/03, and which government inspectors say provide a high standard of education for the young people they serve.

Schools on the list stand out as having done well on virtually all fronts, or for achieving highly against the odds.

Gordon MacRae, head teacher at Allenbourn Middle, said: "It is particularly pleasing that this was achieved while the new school was being built. To reach this standard in such a difficult year is really outstanding."

He said that staff and pupils are now settled in the new school and that the final touches are being completed with the installation of interactive whiteboards in every classroom.

Headteacher at St Edward's, Derek Richmond, said: "This is a wonderful tribute to the whole school community, all the staff, students, governors and parents.

"In a letter I received from chief inspector of schools, David Bell, he said that to be named in this way is a distinguished honour."

New head at Sandford CofE, Rob Graham, said: "I'm thrilled for the staff, the children and the governors for their hard work. I also acknowledge the outstanding efforts of my predecessor Geoff Pike who was headteacher at the time of the school's inspection."

Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools, David Bell, said: "I heartily congratulate the headteachers, staff, governors and pupils of all the successful schools named in my annual report on their success and hard work in delivering such a high standard of education."