A SPECIAL school is celebrating its progress after receiving a good Ofsted report.

Independently funded Northease Manor in Lewes was judged to be good by Government inspectors from Ofsted.

The good news comes after the school for pupils with learning difficulties was previously rated as requiring improvement at its last full inspection in 2014.

The day and boarding school has since had a new headteacher, Claire Farmer, who has been praised for “moving the school securely in the right direction”.

Praising her, the report said: “The positive tone, culture and ethos that exists under her stewardship is particularly valued by most staff, pupils and parents.

“She has galvanised other leaders and staff in making marked improvements to the school for the benefit of the pupils.”

The inspection team also said there were clear improvements in the quality of teaching which, combined with this successful new behavioural approach, have led to changes. The report noted how the school has had a significant shifts in ehtos to ensure pupils now “thrive, not just survive”, which is its motto.

Parents told of the many positive changes the school has been through since the change in leadership. They spoke passionately of the impact the school has had on their children. One said that “this school changed my child’s life and gave us hope”.

The school and sixth form with 77 pupils on the roll caters for students with dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorder and other social and communication difficulties.

Fees cost up to £29,800 for day pupils.

In 2014 Northease suffered “significant reputational damage” according to the school following an Ofsted inspection that labelled all aspects of the school as requiring improvement, the second lowest rating.