SEVERAL Suffolk schools are celebrating today after an education watchdog named them in an 'honours list'.The list, published by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), includes nearly 2,300 schools and colleges across the UK that have received the best inspection reports over the last 12 years.

SEVERAL Suffolk schools are celebrating today after an education watchdog named them in an 'honours list'.

The list, published by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), includes nearly 2,300 schools and colleges across the UK that have received the best inspection reports over the last 12 years.

Bealings Primary School, Henley Primary School, St Helen's Primary School, in Ipswich, Witnesham Primary school as well as Northgate, Debenham Kesgrave High Schools were among those in the county that made it on to the list.

Christine Gough headteacher at Witnesham Primary School said: "I am delighted. It is a surprise but it is nice to have this recognition.

"We are a small but lively school and we are lucky to have hard working children and support from parents and governors. It is a real boost to the school."

Witnesham Primary School was rated an outstanding school by Ofsted inspectors in 2001.

Northgate High School in Sidegate Lane, Ipswich, is among 234 in the 'honours list' that have received 'outstanding' inspections twice in the last 12 years.

Headteacher Neil Watts said: "This is a tribute to our successes over the last decade.

"We have just had another Ofsted inspection and we hope to see pour progress continue. It is nice to have our achievements recognised in this way and I am delighted that Northgate High has a place on the list."

But while George Thomas, headteacher at Kesgrave High School since 1986, was pleased his school was included on the list he remained sceptical about the publication of tables.

He said: "I would rather they did not publish these types of list. I am pleased to think we have been successful but other schools are as well.

"I do not think it is helpful to indulge in these types of pecking order lists. Schools all have different circumstances and some circumstances are easier in which to succeed."

David Bell, the current chief inspector of schools, congratulated the schools on their work.

He said 2,327 schools, nurseries and colleges in England had been rated outstanding at least once.

Mr Bell said: "All the schools, units and colleges on Ofsted's honours list should be proud of their achievement.

"Over the last 12 years period, inspectors have carried out more than 52,000 inspections, so these schools have proved that they are among the best of the best.

"Our 'honours list' stands as testament to the very high quality of education provided in our best schools, sometimes against considerable odds. I congratulate them for what they have achieved."