Two Pembrokeshire schools have been highlighted as an example of best practice in the annual report of education watchdog, Estyn.

The report - written by the country's Chief Inspector of Education and Training Ann Keane - features the 1016-pupil Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych and Tavernspite Community Primary School.

Ysgol y Preseli is promoted in the section on the Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma. The school was part of the Baccalaureate pilot scheme and has offered the qualification since 2004.

The report says: "Nearly all students who are registered at the start of Year 12 achieve the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification at advanced level. These figures are significantly higher than the average for schools across Wales.

"Most students have a very good understanding of current affairs, political issues and a wide range of other topics included in the Welsh Baccalaureate programme of study.

"Most students are very positive about their Welsh Baccalaureate experiences and the positive impact the programme has had on their preparation for higher education, further education or employment."

The report says that the school has redefined its Welsh Baccalaureate programme over the past six years.

It goes on: "The school offers a wide range of activities; this includes visits to local and national events, presentations from guest speakers and well-established links with a local higher education institution.

"All staff are involved in some aspect of Welsh Baccalaureate delivery and receive regular high-quality training."

Ysgol y Preseli's headteacher, Michael Davies, said he was delighted and proud that the school's hard work had been acknowledged.

He added: "Over 500 students from Years 10 to 13 are currently following the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification at Ysgol Y Preseli. It is very pleasing that the recent Qualification Review suggests that the Welsh Bac becomes the overarching qualification for 14 to 19 learners.

"The combination of learning experiences, skill enhancements and personal development provides all students with the basis for future employment and higher education.

"I would like to acknowledge the important role played by the Governing body, parents, pupils and staff and the wider community in ensuring the success of our Welsh Baccalaureate provision."

Tavernspite features in the report's section on primary schools and recognises its work on piloting an 'Outdoor School' project to develop children's knowledge, pride, ownership and enjoyment of their local outdoor area.

The report says: "Tavernspite Community Primary School is leading the way in promoting children's desire to be fit and healthy in the outdoors and to understand and appreciate their local environment.

"Together with a number of strategic partners, the school has produced a range of materials to help other schools make better use of the outdoors as a learning resource.

"The concept of an 'Outdoor School' has had a positive impact on the emotional and physical wellbeing of the children involved and it is planned to roll this out further to other schools."

Headteacher, Kevin Phelps, said: "We are delighted that our work in developing as an 'Outdoor School' has been recognised in the Estyn annual report. Our school has shown an excellent commitment to using the outdoors to develop pupils emotional and physical well being and this provision has clearly had a very positive impact on the children's development.

"I am very grateful for the contribution made by the staff, governors, parents, pupils and local community in developing our outdoor schools philosophy and we look forward to further developing our commitment to outdoor education in the future."