Nine out of ten schools in Hertfordshire have been given a ‘good’ or an ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted, with four schools from Welwyn Hatfield improving their rating.

Commonswood Primary and Nursery School, Peartree Primary School, Watchlytes JMI and Nursery School and Holy Family Roman Catholic Primary School in Welwyn Garden City all improved their rating since July 2015.

From July 2015 to July 2016, the percentage of schools in Ofsted’s top two categories rose from 85.2 per cent to 90.5 per cent. Hertfordshire schools rank higher than the national average of 88 per cent.

This means that an additional 29,500 pupils in the county are now being taught in good and outstanding schools since September 2013, and the total number of pupils at good or outstanding schools is approximately 169,000.

David Williams, cabinet member for education at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We already had some of the best education facilities in the UK, so to hit this figure is an excellent achievement and testament to the hard work of school leaders, teachers and governing bodies.

“We will continue to work with the county’s schools to maintain and improve on these first-class results.”

He also highlighted the role played by Herts for Learning, a not-for-profit company owned by Hertfordshire schools and Hertfordshire County Council which is dedicated to improving standards of education.

David added: “It is a priority for the county council to make sure young people get the best possible start in life.

“The school improvement support available from Herts for Learning, the UK’s largest schools company, is second to none.”

To celebrate the achievement the council has launched its first ever #HertsGreatSchoolsWeek. Pupils and teachers are encouraged to take part by entering a short film, photo or statement explaining why their school is amazing.

For more information visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/greatschools