MARKET Field School is celebrating a hat-trick of successes after being rated as outstanding for the third consecutive time.

Ofsted inspectors gave it the top rating in every area – leadership, behaviour and safety, teaching, achievement and early years provision.

Highlights in the report include strong relationships between teachers and pupils creating “magical moments of learning”, and the teaching of life skills described as “inspirational”.

Headteacher Gary Smith said: “It is fantastic. We are so proud.

“The honest truth is I think this is a true reflection of how the kids feel.

“You could not imagine how their faces were when the inspectors were here. They cared about what they thought.”

The school, which teaches children with special educational needs, is based at the former Alderman Blaxill school in Paxman Avenue, Colchester while its school in Elmstead Market is rebuilt.

The former run-down, over-cramped building is being replaced with a two storey purpose-built school.

Mr Smith said they hope to move back in by September, although the poor weather had caused delays.

He said: “The constructors have had to drain the trenches every day before they can start work.

“We will make a decision at Easter.”