A SCHOOL for special needs children is celebrating a hattrick of successes after being rated outstanding for the third time in a row.

Market Field School was outstanding in every area assessed by education watchdog Ofsted.

The report said: “This is an outstanding school which goes from strength to strength.

“Outstanding leadership and management, including effective support from governors, provide exceptionally well targeted training for teachers which benefit pupils.”

Help for autistic pupils was described as outstanding at the Elmstead Market school.

The report described the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the students as excellent.

It added: “Behaviour is outstanding. Pupils’ understanding of how to keep safe is excellent.

“Teaching is outstanding across all key stages and subjects. Children’s progress in the early years is outstanding.

“By Year 11, pupils are exceptionally well prepared for their next stage of education or training.”

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 is currently based in Colchester while its Elmstead Market site is rebuilt.

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