AN IMPRESSIVE number of schools across North Somerset have received glowing Ofsted reports following their latest inspections.

Results released last week show that more than 96 per cent have been rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ - above the national average.

The Department for Education has revealed the statistics, showing the achievements of schools as at December 2010.

North Somerset exceeds the national average of 91.8 per cent of schools being rated as good or outstanding.

For a school to rate as outstanding it must have an extremely positive ethos and student behaviour must be ‘exemplary’.

To achieve a ‘good’ score means that pupils’ behaviour is welcoming and positive and that they show responsibility when responding to the expectations of staff.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said: “The Government is committed to raising standards of behaviour in schools by introducing measures to shift the balance of authority back towards the teacher and the school.”

North Somerset has seen an increase in the number of schools getting ratings of good or outstanding over the past three years. The way some schools were rated did change over that time and only schools open on December 31, 2010, were included.

The figures included all primary, secondary and academy schools, which may be affected by the new Education Bill going through Parliament.

The bill aims to extend powers to search pupils for any items banned by school rules, stop appeals panels sending excluded children back to the school from which they were excluded, give teachers anonymity when facing allegations and remove a requirement to give 24 hours notice of a detention.