TWO local schools have been named among the best in the country.
Heckmondwike Grammar and the Rastrick Independent School have been placed highly in the Sunday Times league table.
Staff at both schools say their success is down to the hard work of staff and pupils and the special ethos they have.
Heckmondwike Grammar came third in the rankings of the top state secondary schools in the North.
The Rastrick school came ninth in the top prep schools in the North.
Heckmondwike head Mark Tweedle said: “We are very pleased with this result, which reflects the hard work of staff and pupils.
“There is a very good ethos within the school; people work very hard here to achieve the best we can and the results reflect that.
“The youngsters value the education here, but it is not just about exam results. Our success is down to wider learning as well.”
Nationally the school is ranked 102 in the list of the 2,000 top performing schools after being 120th last year.
Rastrick Independent School was placed 180th nationally out of 2,000.
Headteacher Susan Vaughey said: “I am really pleased and elated as this is the third consecutive year we have come so highly.
“I think it is our special ethos. We really are a niche school which caters to the pupils and the parents needs.
“The children are very happy here. They are excited about learning, which is wonderful to see. We have created an environment where they want to be and enjoy.”
Mrs Vaughey said the teamwork by all members of staff had helped the school aim high, adding that the school catered to individual needs and offered extended hours to suit working parents.
She added: “We set out to create the right learning environment for the children.
“Everything else follows and we are very fortunate that as a school we do achieve these fantastic results.”
