TEN Hampshire schools were today described as "outstanding" in the annual report by the Chief Inspector of Schools David Bell.

They are among 393 chosen nationwide that were visited by inspectors from Ofsted - the Office for Standards in education - during the last academic year.

All were found to have done particularly well in every area of the curriculum, or achieved against the odds.

Colleges such as Southampton's Itchen College and Winchester's Sparsholt College were commended for their leadership.

For staff and pupils at Hiltingbury Junior School in Chandler's Ford the latest accolade is a double celebration after it was just one of 43 schools nationwide to be included in the annual report twice over the last 13 years.

Sophia Blakeway, head teacher at the 395-pupil school was pleased to have maintained the high standards she inherited when she took the reins five years ago.

"This reflects our continuing commitment to provide the best possible education for all our pupils," she said.

Val Morgan, head teacher at Crofton Anne Dale Infant School in Stubbington, which caters for 393 pupils aged four to seven, said the key to success was the school's "broad" curriculum and staff team.

"We have a real hard-working and committed staff and everybody works incredibly hard together."

Chief Inspector, Mr Bell, said: "I heartily congratulate the head teacher, staff, governors and pupils or students of all the successful schools and colleges named in my annual report on their success and hard work in delivering such a high standard of education."

Ofsted carried out inspections at 3,499 primary schools, 45 nursery schools, 566 secondary schools, 196 special schools and 64-pupil referral units during the academic year 2003 to 2004.

ROLL OF HONOUR:

Crofton Anne Dale School, Fareham

Hiltingbury Junior School, Chandler's Ford

Orchard Junior School, Dibden Purlieu

St John the Baptist CofE Primary, Waltham Chase

Ringwood School, Ringwood

Brockenhurst College, Brockenhurst

Sparsholt College, Winchester

Treloar College, Alton

Itchen College, Southampton

Brockhurst Infant School, Gosport