FIVE Kirklees schools were celebrating today.

All were highlighted for their outstanding Ofsted reports in the annual report produced by the Government's Chief Inspector of Schools.

David Bell has identified 415 outstanding schools and colleges across the country drawn from those inspected during 2002/03.

And he praised the five Kirklees schools: Netherthong Primary, Shepley First, Crowlees Junior and Infant at Mirfield, St Patrick's Catholic Primary in Birstall and Saville Town Infant and Nursery, Dewsbury.

The schools have been highlighted because they have done particularly well on virtually all fronts or because they have achieved highly against the odds.

Mr Bell said: "I heartily congratulate the head teachers, staff, governors and pupils of all the successful schools named in my annual report on their success and hard work delivering such a high standard of education."

The report also identifies schools which have been removed from special measures.

They include Crosland Moor Junior, Fartown High and Hartshead Moor School in Cleckheaton.

Mr Bell added: "Thanks to strong leadership, dedicated staff and a positive commitment to tackling weaknesses head-on, pupils at the schools can look forward to a bright future."

Jackie Teale, head teacher at Shepley First School, said: "It's a celebration of what we believe is right.

"It's a credit to everyone involved in the school - the children, staff, parents and governors.

"We have a very broad and balanced curriculum and we are very strong on music and the arts. Also, we like to combine subjects and, for example, use drama in history and dance in RE."

The school also pays for extra music tuition for the children out of its budget, with the result that two-thirds of the seven to 11-year-olds can play a musical instrument. Many of them carry on until secondary school.

Mr David Hardcastle, head teacher at Crowlees Junior and Infant School, said: "Everyone connected with the school was delighted to hear we were in the chief inspector's annual report.

"When one considers how many schools are inspected in a year it is gratifying to know that the school's achievements have been recognised nationally."

Kate Prior, head teacher at Netherthong Primary School, said it was fantastic news.

"It's a recognition of the hard work that goes on in the school."

The Ofsted inspection was done in March last year, when Jackie Mills was the head teacher.

The new head said: "It means I got a really fantastic base on which to build on.

"My challenge now is to see how we can maintain and improve the school."