HUDDERSFIELD New College is celebrating today after being praised as "outstanding" in Ofsted's list of schools and colleges for 2004/05.

It is among five schools and colleges in Kirklees and Calderdale selected for special praise by chief schools inspector David Bell.

Mirfield Free Grammar and Sixth Form, Brighouse High, St John's Primary in Brighouse and Thornhill Lees Primary in Dewsbury were also named.

Huddersfield New College principal Philip Forrest said: "It is pleasing to be singled out by David Bell.

"We are particularly proud of the outstanding academic achievement of our students, which places the college in the top ten percent of sixth-form colleges nationally.

"Being listed as a particularly successful college is testament to the hard work and dedication of my teaching and support staff colleagues and gives public recognition to their excellent work".

Huddersfield New College was inspected in October last year by a team of Ofsted inspectors.

They commented on the excellent leadership and very clear mission of the college, which ensures that students of widely differing abilities are catered for.

They particularly praised the outstanding guidance and academic support provided for students.

Schools on the list are praised for an excellent quality of education and are effectively led.

Mirfield Free Grammar and Sixth Form was inspected in January 2005 and praised for excellent features.

Headteacher Mrs Lorraine Barker, said: "We are delighted to be one of only a small number of secondary schools in the country to receive this accolade.

"It is confirmation that all the hard work of our staff is providing an excellent education for our students."

A total of 457 schools, colleges and other educational institutions across England are included in the list.