AN EDEN independent school has won top praise from inspectors.

Hunter Hall School, near Penrith, was found to be ‘exceptional’ in many areas with high academic standards when it was paid a visit by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Head teacher Tony Winzor described the findings as a ‘terrific’ start to the New Year.

He said: “It is just reward for the work that staff, pupils, governors and parents put in to make Hunter Hall the unique school that it is.

“I was pleased judges were impressed with our excellent links with the community and our use of local facilities.

“Perhaps most gratifying, though, was that they saw that relationships here are warm and relaxed, and that children of all ages feel safe and happy.”

The inspector wrote: “The teachers’ subject knowledge is invariably strong and in all lessons the positive relationships between teachers and pupils play a strong role in helping the pupils to achieve well and reach their full potential.”

The school was deemed ‘excellent’ in all categories, apart from the curriculum which was reported as ‘good’.

The school’s Nutkins Nursery was also judged outstanding in its overall leadership and outcomes.