By Katherine Sellgren BBC News education reporter

Ofsted named the schools with a hat-trick of outstanding inspections

These "best of the best" schools are named in a list of 457 highly effective schools identified by inspectors.

Andrew Baker, head of Westcliff High School for Boys, in Southend, said he would strive for a fourth mention on the "outstanding schools" list.

"We'll do everything we can to maintain our place," Mr Baker said.

"There's no complacency. It is something in which I take a great deal of pride," he told the BBC News website.

Not an exam factory

Mr Baker puts the school's success down to the fact that pupils are encouraged in a range of extra-curricular activities, such as public speaking, sport and music, as well as preparing for GCSEs and A-levels.

"While we take exams very seriously, we don't regard the school as an examination factory," he said.

Joyce Firth, head of Sir James Knott Memorial Nursery School, one of three nursery schools to be praised for the third time running, said the accolade was a welcome boost for staff.

"We're obviously delighted, particularly because we're a nursery school and quite often feel we're overlooked in educational circles," she said.

"It's wonderful when we can say this is what very young children can achieve."

Going from strength to strength

Greg Wallace, head teacher of Woodberry Down Primary School, in Hackney, London, said his school would be aiming for a place on the list for a second time.

In 2003, the school was considered by inspectors to have serious weaknesses but, following an inspection earlier this year, it is now rated as an exceptional establishment.

Head Greg Wallace wants Woodberry Down to continue improving

"We were judged very good in all aspects of the school and we want to be excellent next time," Mr Wallace told the BBC News website.

Mr Wallace said the success was partly down to the introduction of synthetic phonics at the school which had helped the children achieve basic levels of literacy.

The introduction of a strict behaviour policy, based on sanctions and rewards, had also helped.

"The children have got the message and it makes the school a secure place for them," he said.

'Positive ethos'

Woodhouse Close Junior School, in Bishop Auckland, was also one of those schools which had previously caused inspectors serious concern.

In 2000, the school was placed into "special measures", but was applauded in its inspection this year.

Head teacher Anne Collingwood said the success was down to effective teamwork, as well as a sense of moving forward.

"You need to have a vision of what you expect the school to be like," she said.