A SPECIAL school is celebrating after being given a healthy report by inspectors.

The Kingsdown School in Southend was rated outstanding for how much pupils enjoy their lessons and other parts of the school were rated satisfactory and good.

Inspectors visited the school, in Snakes Lane, in February. They found overall the school was satisfactory in many sections, including for achievement and standards, effectiveness of the school and leadership and management.

Personal development and well-being were rated as good. The inspector's report read: "There is undoubtedly a strong desire by all to make this school the best it can be. Pupils enjoy school immensely and most are enthusiastic learners."

Headteacher Margaret Rimmer said: "I am delighted. There has been a big change at the school and I am very pleased to have been given this report.

"To be told they found our pupils are really enjoying the lessons was excellent."

In September the school was partially merged with Lancaster special school. Kingsdown now takes pupils from the age of three to 14 and Lancaster takes pupils aged 14 to 19.