Teachers have vowed they will not rest on their laurels after their school was rated ‘excellent’ in a report.

Pupils at Kerem School, in Norrice Lea, Finchley, are celebrating the new school term on a high after the school was given the highest mark possible by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

It praised the quality of teaching, curricular and extra-curricular activities, leadership and governance.

The ISI standard for private schools is the equivalent to an Ofsted grade of outstanding.

The report praises the children for their positive attitudes towards learning, as well as a dynamic and carefully planned curriculum to give pupils a “rich” learning experience.

Headteacher Alyson Burns said: "We worked very, very hard for this so we are proud of everyone who made it happen.

“However, we won’t rest on our laurels. We want to keep it up and stay on a high standard. We’ll be doing all we can to continue to improve on ourselves.

“It is gratifying that the inspectors recognised that the school is highly successful in creating a family community in which self-esteem and personal and moral awareness are outstanding, together with achieving excellent success for all our pupils."

Chairman of Governors David Wolfson said: "This is a fantastic achievement. I knew we had an excellent school, with an excellent head teacher and staff, excellent parents and excellent pupils, but it's good to have that confirmed – officially."