A TINY independent school in Ascott-under-Wychwood has made it into a list of the top 100 prep schools in the UK.

Each year, The Sunday Times publishes a list of the top 100 schools in the private and public sectors, based on test results.

For the first time, Windrush Valley School – which has just 84 pupils – has made it into the top 100, jumping from 124th in the country to 94th.

Headteacher Alan Wood, pictured with pupils, said: “We don't select our pupils by ability so for us to achieve this is quite remarkable.”

More than 90 per cent of children at the school taking Key Stage Two tests achieved Level Five across all subjects this year – the expected score for 11-year-olds is Level Four.

Mr Wood said: “We are absolutely delighted, it has made an old man very happy. I believe it reflects the fact that with our small class sizes, personalised attention to children, even those with special education needs, we can get children achieving higher grades.”

The maximum class size at Windrush Valley is 16 pupils.

Although it comes at a steep price – £1,945 per term – Mr Wood said it was among the most competitively priced independent schools in Oxfordshire.

Picture: OX49188 Jon Lewis