Yavneh College in Hertfordshire has a double accolade with an "outstanding" rating from Ofsted inspectors and an award recognising its provision for gifted pupils.

The modern Orthodox secondary, which opened in 2006, was also ranked outstanding for its Jewish education by inspectors from Pikuach.

Oftsted, which visited early last month, found that students receive "excellent teaching and support" resulting in "high attainment".

Inspectors found that "those students with special educational needs make outstanding progress".

Yavneh's work with gifted children has also earned it the NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) Challenge Award, so far given to just 56 secondary schools.

Yavneh chairman Sue Nyman said that under the "inspirational leadership" of head Dena Coleman, "everybody gives the best of themselves to maximise children's achievement".

Mrs Nyman said the school, which made between 15 to 20 second round offers for places, was looking "full" for next September.