YOUNGSTERS have the best prep school education in the country at a private York school, judges have declared.

Clifton School and Nursery for three to eight year olds was named best prep or pre-prep school in the 2018 TES Independent School Awards.

It beat its sister school St Olave's for eight to 13-year-olds which was also shortlisted in the same category.

St Peter's School, the group's senior school for 13 to 18-year-olds was shortlisted in the independent-state school partnership award category for its work with Archbishop Sentamu Academy in Hull.

Leo Winkley, headmaster of the St Peter's School 3-18 Foundation, said: "We were delighted to be shortlisted three times, particularly in view of the calibre of the other entrants. We are all thrilled for Phil Hardy and his outstanding team at Clifton School and Nursery.

"The vibrancy and creativity of the teaching and learning are evident to everyone who walks through its doors, and it is wonderful that this has been recognised nationally.”

The judges said of Clifton School: “Pupils are more questioning and inquisitive, and there is also a values-led approach. The effectiveness of the approach has been recognised nationally, with 50 schools coming to visit.

"The supporting paperwork gave examples of the remarkable thematic learning, an extraordinary approach to assessment and the most positive environment for learning without the need for school rules.”