SECONDARY school pupils in Cheshire West and Chester are receiving the best education in the North West, according to Ofsted.

The most recent inspection data from the watchdog, from February 28, identifies the borough council as the top performing local authority in the region for secondary education.

Government inspectors judged 94 per cent of secondary schools to be 'good' or 'outstanding' in their latest Ofsted report.

This compares to 71 per cent of schools across the North West being 'good' or 'outstanding' and 80 per cent across England.

John Dowler, chair of the secondary headteachers association, said: “We are very proud of the strong partnerships between schools and the hard work and dedication across our school communities.

“While Ofsted visits do not always capture the many successes of schools, it is pleasing that the commitment of our students, staff and governors is recognised in this very favourable set of findings.”

Cllr Nicole Meardon, cabinet member for children and young people at Cheshire West and Chester Council, added: “We are delighted that so many pupils in our area are benefitting from such a high standard of education.

“This is a testament of the hard work and dedication of teachers, governors and all those involved with schools in the Cheshire West and Chester area.

“Achieving a figure as high as this wouldn’t be possible without the positive engagement of the pupils themselves.”