Fountaindale School and its residential department have both been rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Inspectors arrived at the all-aged special school for children with complex physical, medical and sensory needs, at the same time as their counterparts who were looking at the school’s small residential unit.

Mark Dengel, principal for the past 23 years who is retiring this summer, said: “It turned out it was a pure coincidence with neither team knowing the other was on the way.

“This is a massive achievement for all connected with the school, staff, pupils, parents and governors.

“Five years ago we took the brave decision to completely change our curriculum across the whole school.

“That meant we not only had to develop a new curriculum and approaches to teaching, but also alter the whole organisation of the school including the leadership, staffing structures and even the whole design of the new school building that we moved into just over two years ago.

“To receive such positive Ofsted reports vindicates that decision and gives everyone at the school recognition for their hard work and commitment.”