Eight North Norfolk schools are among 32 across Norfolk that have been told that they are so good that Ofsted inspectors will not be visiting them.

The schools received letters 'out of the blue', telling them that they either would not be inspected until at least summer 2012 - or, in the case of 12 outstanding schools, only if 'further information raises concerns'.

Clare Fletcher, headteacher at North Walsham Infant on Manor Road, one of the outstanding schools, said: 'The letter came out of the blue. The staff were quite shocked - but delighted that Ofsted recognised that we were maintaining our high standards and that they could see that from afar.

'In some ways the staff were disappointed, because they have done even more good things since the last inspection. But they were also relieved because of the stresses it can cause.'

Under a recently-introduced regime, Ofsted is able to examine from afar the paperwork and data of good and outstanding schools.

If there are no signs of deterioration, inspectors can put off a return visit - enabling the organisation to concentrate on schools that are satisfactory or worse.

Mrs Fletcher said: 'It's a really good system because Ofsted doesn't need to keep on revisiting schools where there's a proven track record of success.'

Among the good schools that received letters informing them that they would not be visited 'any earlier than the summer term 2012' were:

? Astley Primary, Melton Constable

? Blenheim Park Primary, Sculthorpe

? Corpusty Primary

? Cromer Junior

? Erpingham Primary, near Aylsham

? Happisburgh Primary

? Worstead Primary, near North Walsham.

Two outstanding schools getting the good news were North Walsham Infant and Sheringham Primary on Cooper Road.

In letters to the good schools, Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert said: 'Schools which are performing well are now inspected less often than other schools. This usually means that good schools are inspected once in five years, whilst satisfactory schools will be inspected at least once every three years.

'I am pleased to inform you that our interim assessment shows that the school's performance has been sustained and that we can defer its next full inspection.

'As a result, the next inspection will not take place any earlier than the summer term 2012 unless we receive information in the course of the coming year that causes us to inspect earlier.'