STAFF and pupils at a Basingstoke school are celebrating after it received a national accolade.

Winklebury Infant School, in Willoughby Way, has won itself a second mention on Ofsted's list of England's most successful schools and colleges. It is one of only three in Hampshire to have made it onto the latest roll of honour.

The latest list names all the schools that have received outstanding inspection reports from Ofsted, the Government's education watchdog.

The infant school, a former beacon school, is one of 234 schools to be highlighted for receiving two outstanding inspection reports in the last 12 years.

Sue Reid, who has been headteacher for eight years, said she is pleased that her school is still being recognised for its excellence now that the Government has stopped awarding schools with beacon status.

She said: "It's lovely to see your name on the list, classed as one of the most outstanding schools.

"The ethos of the school is very special - it's a lovely place to work and play in, and it's a very happy place. People always comment on that when they come to visit.

"The children love coming to school and they enjoy learning, and the teachers enjoy teaching."

Mrs Reid said it's her staff that make the school a success and that it is living up to its ethos.

"We are successful because of the high level of expertise of my teaching and support staff, and everyone works together as a team," she said.

"I am so proud of my staff. They are committed to doing the best for the children and helping them to achieve their full potential."

The infant school aims to teach children ways of life beyond the academic boundaries.

Mrs Reid said: "We don't just focus on academic excellence - we feel that the whole child is important.

"When they first start school, we encourage the children to develop confidence and independence, and social and communication skills."

Councillor Felicity Hindson, Hampshire County Council Cabinet member with temporary responsibility for education matters, said: "On behalf of the county council, I would like to congratulate the staff, pupils and parents of Winklebury Infant School on this recognition. We are very proud of them.

"I am delighted that effective practice in Hampshire schools has been recognised nationally."

A total of 2,327 institutions, including 2,291 schools, appear on the list. The other two from Hampshire are Sun Hill Infant School in Alresford and The Burgate School and Sixth Form in Fordingbridge.

David Bell, Ofsted's chief inspector, said: "All the schools on Ofsted's honours list should be proud of their achievement.

"Of these, 234 schools have achieved not one but two outstanding reports since Ofsted inspections began 12 years ago.

"During that period, inspectors have carried out more than 52,000 inspections, so these 234 schools have proved that they are among the best of the best."