YORK'S education department is set to rank among the nation's best in a report out later this month, the Evening Press can reveal today.

But the anonymous leak to this paper of a confidential briefing document on the report has prompted immediate calls for an official inquiry.

The OFSTED report into the running of the department was not due to be released until after two crucial City of York Council by-elections.

The leaked document, written by chief executive David Clark, says: "In conversation with the lead inspector it was quite clear he thought that York was the very best education service he had inspected.

"This reflects very well on Mike (Peters) and his team and I am sure you would wish to join with me in congratulating them.

"Given that we have two by-elections pending, it is unlikely that the report will be fully published until late May and inspectors have asked that their presentation be treated in confidence."

Coun John Galvin, leader of the Conservative group, said he had not seen the briefing as he understood it had only been given to members of the education committee.

He said: "This may well be politically motivated but my main concern is someone has broken an official council embargo.

"This kind of activity affects the relationship between elected members and officers. I am going to ask the chief executive for an inquiry."

Mr Clark's office made no comment on the leak today, but Mike Peters, director of education, issued a statement.

He said: ""The inspectors have provided initial feedback to the authority as is the normal practice.

"The final report has not been published and we are not in a position to comment about leaks of any feedback. However, we have worked very closely with Ofsted and will comment in detail when the report is formally published."

Coun Steve Galloway, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group on the council, said: "This is not a matter of party political controversy. It is a great credit to the officers involved."