NINE out of ten primary pupils in Dorset attend either a good or outstanding school, according to a report published by the Government’s education watchdog Ofsted.

In its 2012/13 report for the South West, Ofsted ranked authorities according to the percentage of pupils attending schools judged as good or outstanding by inspectors.

Dorset is ranked first for primary schools in the South West at 89 per cent, and fourth for secondary schools at 86 per cent.

Cllr Toni Coombs, cabinet member for education at Dorset County Council, said: “We’re very proud of our schools in Dorset and have always prided ourselves on the fact that such a high number of our schools are either good or outstanding. It is due to the dedication of school staff and governors that our children can attend good schools.”

The report also highlighted areas for improvement, including making sure that more pupils who are eligible for free school meals gain at least five good GCSEs.

Cllr Coombs added: “We are never complacent and know more needs to be done to help pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve a range of good qualifications when they finish secondary school or college.”