A POOLE special school has been ranked Outstanding across the board after being taken over by a successful academies chain.

Longspee Academy, part of the Ambitions Academies Trust, was praised by Ofsted inspectors who said teaching, learning and assessment have rapidly improved.

Longspee, in Learoyd Road, provides education for boys and girls with emotional, social and mental health difficulties.

After observing lessons and talking to staff and pupils, the inspectors concluded: “Teachers precisely assess pupils’ starting points when they join the school.

“They set ambitious and aspirational, individual targets to ensure that every pupil makes outstanding progress, particularly in English and mathematics. Pupils make rapid progress.”

The inspectors were so impressed that they recommended the Academy shares its recipe for success by offering the expertise of its middle leadership team to other schools.

Associate Principal, Sharon Burt, said: “We are over the moon with our outstanding grade and its recognition of all we seek to achieve for our pupils.

“As the Ofsted inspectors found, pupils join us with low attainment often having missed large parts of their education.

“Many also display challenging and anxious behaviour and our relentless focus on learning often has to start with small steps.

“But these steps, accompanied by strong targets, regular assessment and constant support, make our pupils feel safe, confident and excited to learn.

“Their raised expectations are then reflected in their achievements and as a result, many eventually transfer to local mainstream schools, including the grammar schools and college and aspire to go to university.”

Nicki Morton, Director of Special Education for AAT said: “The inspectors’ findings are great recognition for Longspee, its pupils and staff and also its parents and carers.”

Brian Hooper, CEO of AAT said: “I am always deeply impressed by Longspee’s pupils’ respect for adults and each other and their huge enthusiasm for learning.

“I am also pleased that Ofsted has recognised the strong support the academy receives from AAT.”

Longspee Academy is the second school to achieve Outstanding status under Ambitions Academies Trust (AAT).

Queen’s Park Academy has gone from special measures to Outstanding under its guidance.