Magdalen College School in Oxford has been chosen UK Independent School of the Year by The Sunday Times.

The prestigious boys' school has made it into the top 10 for the first time this year, leaping from 154th place in 2000 into eighth place overall this year.

Judges in the newspaper's Parent Power supplement found that while academic achievement was "extremely high", boys were not overtly competitive and the school retained an "intimate, family atmosphere".

More than 93 per cent of A-Level students achieved A and B grades this year, and more than half obtained three or more As.

The 660-pupil school has a similar record of success at GCSE, with more than 90 per cent of pupils achieving A and A* grades.

Eight pupils received special awards from the examination board this year.

Biology, maths and English are particularly strong at A-Level, but sixth-formers can choose between philosophy, media studies, IT, music, Latin and Greek, and the school is considering introducing Arabic and Chinese.

Headteacher Andrew Halls, 45, puts the school's success down to its "very positive atmosphere".

During his six years at the school, Mr Halls has made many changes, including scrapping Saturday morning school. The school was founded in 1480 by William Waynflete to prepare boys for an education at Oxford University's Magdalen College. Past masters include Cardinal Wolsey and former pupils include the Catholic martyr Sir Thomas More, the actor composer Ivor Novello, and film director Sam Mendes.

A new £1.6m sports hall opened in 2001, and there are plans for a new library to open in 2005, as well as a new entrance building with a lecture theatre.

Deputy headteacher Richard Cairns said: "The award is all the more pleasing because we have never set out to be anything more than we are. We're not a grand public school; we are an unpretentious and happily focused community committed to bringing out the very best in our pupils in every sphere of school life.

"I am particularly pleased that The Sunday Times picked up on the dedication and professionalism of our teachers and the cheerful enthusiasm of the boys."

Oxford High School was ranked overall 17th in the top 500 secondary schools. Headington School was placed 93rd, Wychwood School 188th, d'Overbroeck's College 324th, St Edward's School 356th and Rye St Antony School 490th.