A SPECIAL school in Bournemouth has been judged outstanding in all of its inspections over the last 15 years.

Linwood School, previously judged as inadequate and placed in special measures, is one of only a handful across the country to receive the top Ofsted accolade for three inspections in a row.

Sheila Brown, Ofsted’s Manager for Education, Learning and Skills in the South, visited the Alma Road school this week to coincide with the launch of Ofsted’s annual report.

And she said: “I am delighted to be here today to congratulate the head teacher, staff, governors and pupils of Linwood School on their considerable success and hard work in delivering such a high standard of education.”

A total of 20 schools and seven childcare providers in Dorset were judged to be providing outstanding care, education or skills over the last year.

They include Hampreston First School in Wimborne, appearing on the list for the second time, and Gillingham Primary School, Parley First School, Rushcombe First School, Courthill and Canford Heath First schools in Poole, Queens Park Infants, St Katharine’s Primary and Muscliff Primary in Bournemouth and Old Town First School and Nursery in Poole. Canford Heath Church pre-school was also judged outstanding, as were six unnamed childminders.

Chief government inspector Christine Gilbert said: “It’s encouraging to see so much outstanding provision across all areas of education and care and I pay tribute to all who contributed to this success.”