MORE than 96 per cent of schools across North Somerset have been rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ during their latest Ofsted inspections – according to latest figures released this week.

The Department for Education has revealed the glowing statistics, showing the achievements of schools as at December 2010.

North Somerset exceeds the national average of 91.8 per cent of schools being rated as good or outstanding, with Somerset achieving just under 90 per cent.

For a school to rate as outstanding it means that it has an extremely positive ethos and student behaviour must be ‘exemplary’.

To achieve a ‘good’ score means that pupils’ behaviour is welcoming and positive and that they show responsibility when responding to the expectations of staff.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said: “The Government is committed to raising standards of behaviour in schools by introducing measures to shift the balance of authority back towards the teacher and the school.”

North Somerset has seen an increase every year in the number of schools getting ratings of good or outstanding over the past three years.

Somerset increased its number from 2008 to 2009, but saw a decrease of nearly five per cent in 2010.

The way some schools were rated did change over that time and only schools open on December 31 of that year were included.

The figures included all primary, secondary and academy schools, which may be affected by the new education bill going through parliament.

It aims to extend powers to search pupils for any items banned by school rules, stop appeals panels sending excluded children back to the school from which they were excluded, give teachers anonymity when facing allegations and remove a requirement to give 24 hours notice of a detention.