A FREE school has been given the top grade by watchdogs after shining during an Ofsted inspection.

Gildredge House in Eastbourne – East Sussex’s first free school – was graded outstanding in all five inspection categories including early years provision less than two years after it opened.

The state-funded school for students aged four to 18 was founded by a group including parents and community members to fulfil the need for admission places in the town.

Headteacher Lea Gilbert said: “I am thrilled that Ofsted has endorsed our high standards and recognised the hard work and dedication of our entire team, including our wider proposing group, who have made Gildredge House the success that it is.

“Our governors, staff and students are well aware of our school motto – aspire.

“We are all striving to be the best that we can be.

“I am immensely proud of our achievement and grateful to parents who took a leap of faith to support us two years ago.”

The news comes as a free school is set to become Brighton and Hove’s 11th secondary school with the demand for spaces across the city continuing to rise.

Unions have criticised the proposals, which would see Brighton and Hove City Council and the University of Brighton working in tandem to provide education.

Both the National Union of Teachers in Brighton and Hove and the University and Colleges Union believe the plans leave questions unanswered.

But after Gildredge House’s report Brighton and Hove’s first free school – King’s School – is expected to return a good with outstanding features verdict from Ofsted.

The school’s grade means that 11 out of the 13 all-through free schools have been judged good or outstanding in their first Ofsted inspection.