NEARLY one in three pupils play a musical instrument at Hiltingbury Junior School, which has been praised for its excellent musical provision by Ofsted inspectors.

The 396-pupil school in Chandler's Ford also came in for congratulations for its leadership and management, learning opportunities and teaching standards.

During their three-day visit to the school for seven to 11-year-olds, in Hiltingbury Road, inspectors found there had been "very good" improvements since the last inspection in 1998.

They said the quality of teaching and learning had improved significantly with a considerably higher percentage of lessons judged to be very good or excellent.

Head teacher Sophia Blakeway said she was delighted with the findings of the report after she took over at the helm four years ago.

"I am just delighted that the hard work of the teachers, governors and pupils have been recognised." she said.

She was pleased that the school's musical strengths, including its successful orchestra, had been recognised.

The only area for improvement identified by inspectors was the provision for art and design although they said existing standards in the subject were fine.

Ms Blakeway said a series of workshops for teachers to improve art and design lessons was being organised.