Keswick School has been named one of the best in the country.

It is one of just 16 state secondary schools featured in the Tatler guide to the best gold-star non-fee-paying schools and only the second north of Birmingham.

Criteria for selection included exam results, attitude of pupils and teachers and extracurricular activities.

The guide highlights the quality of teaching and an innovative curriculum and compares the school to a £30,000-a-year public school.

Simon Jackson, headteacher, said: "This is undoubtedly an amazing school which is held with great affection by all those who have experienced its friendly and happy community.

"The students who attend have a wonderful attitude to life and learning. 

"They help and encourage each other as well as engage in friendly competition.

"It’s nice to be recognised on a national platform but all we are concerned about is ensuring all our students achieve their potential and become outstanding, articulate and distinctive young people."

The school achieved record-breaking A-level results last year, received a Good Schools Guide award for A-level physics and a certificate of excellence from the Schoolguide.co.uk website.