The number of pupils at schools rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors has risen by more than 7,500 in the past 12 months, says Herts County Council.

The latest figure, for September this year, saw 158,787 pupils on the roll at schools boasting the top two grades – a rise of 7,636 on the year before.

Councillor David Williams, County Hall’s cabinet member for education, said: “We already had some of the best education facilities in the UK, so to show such improvement is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work of pupils and teachers.”

He also highlighted the role played by Herts for Learning, the not-for-profit company owned by the county council and schools which is dedicated to improving standards of education.

There are 527 maintained schools in Herts, and 85.4 per cent are rated as good or outstanding – putting the county ahead of the national average of 83.9 per cent.

Schools which have achieved improved grades include:

Roebuck Primary School and Nursery in Stevenage (requires improvement to good)

Featherstone Wood Primary School in Stevenage (requires improvement to good)

Camps Hill Community Primary School in Stevenage (requires improvement to good)

Meridian School, Royston (requires improvement to good)

Fearnhill School, Letchworth (requires improvement to good)

Roebuck Primary head Richard Fordham said: “I’m delighted with the progress we have made so far by staff and parents working together, and we will continue on the upward path.”

And Fearnhill head Liz Ellis said: “We are delighted with the Ofsted report. This recognition of our improvement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of all members of this happy and successful school.”