A NEW academic term is about to start in Thurrock and nowhere will it be celebrated more that at Beacon Hill Academy.

For the fourth time in a row the coeducational special school in South Ockendon has been judged as 'outstanding' following a recent Ofsted Inspection.

The achievement is all the more remarkable as a new inspection framework was introduced in September which has made it even harder for schools to reach this standard.

The inspector described the school as "An inspirational learning community".

Throughout the report she commented on the skills, passion and high expectations of the staff team "Staff do not allow pupils' needs to be a barrier to attainment, they are proud of pupils' accomplishments and celebrate every success".

Every class and team in the school was visited and the report covered the breadth of the school from "children in the early years get off to an excellent start" to "students in the sixth form get the support they need to prepare them for adulthood".

The school's work on pupil voice, the Trailblazer project and outreach was also highly praised.

Principal Sue Hewitt said: "The inspection result is a reflection of the hard work, creativity, commitment and dedication of the whole school team, pupils, staff, parents, governors and partners.

"It is a privilege to work here and lead such an amazing team, I am extremely proud of them all."