BEACON Hill Academy have scored an outstanding hat-trick from Ofsted in their latest inspection.

Senior staff members, including Principal Sue Hewitt, said they were “tremendously proud” after Ofsted gave the special needs school in South Ockendon a glowing recommendation for the third consecutive time.

The Ockendon school’s last two inspections also rated the school as “outstanding” in 2012 and 2009.

Inspectors particularly singled out the “inspiring community” of the school, which led to pupils becoming “confident and successful.”

Inspectors in the report gave high praise to the work of all staff and governors, with particular reference to the school’s personalised ethos.

Chair of governors Tony Fish, said: “I’m delighted with this report. It is an accurate account of what happens at Beacon Hill and is testament to the hard work and dedication of staff and governors who are always willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the children fulfill their potential and leave the Academy fully prepared to deal with whatever challenges and opportunities life brings their way.”

This year, the inspection was led by Mary Rayner who is one of the National Lead HMI for Special Needs.

Inspector Raynor wrote: “Staff place pupils at the heart of all they do, and governors are very effective.”

“Pupils say that Beacon Hill is the best school ever and they are happy to be there. Learning is fun and gives them a chance to develop their self-esteem and confidence.”

Other views were communicated in the report from parents, who were all “unanimously positive about the work of the school and full of praise for the staff.”