A Croydon special school where “pupils become the very best version of themselves” has been told by Ofsted that it is an outstanding school.

Red Gates School, on Farnborough Avenue in South Croydon, was inspected on September 24 and 25, and the report was published on November 4.

Red Gates School was ranked outstanding in all five areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

Inspectors said: “The school strives to ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to become the very best version of themselves” and individuality and diversity are celebrated.

They noted that the pupils and staff are part of a “thriving and cohesive team”.

Pupils enjoy going to Red Gates School and parents “strongly recommend the school”.

Inspectors praised the way the curriculum is delivered, calling it “highly ambitious and carefully adapted for the individual needs of the pupils”.

Inspectors noted that the pupil’s behaviour is “very positive” and pupils are kind both inside and outside of lessons and that they “thrive”.

They described communication and reading as “the heart of the curriculum” and the school provides “excellent support to pupils with learning to read”.

They added: “Staff use careful checks of pupils’ learning to quickly identify any gaps in their knowledge.

“Teachers then put in place appropriately targeted extra help for pupils who need it to catch up.

“Staff get the training that they need to teach well and support pupils effectively.”

Pupils told inspectors they enjoy reading.

Ofsted inspectors found that the personal development of pupils runs “throughout all that happens at the school”.

Pupils at Red Gates School enjoy taking part in community events and local festivals, such as singing carols at the nearby shopping centre.

Leaders also want to “make sure that pupils are able to attend school every day” as they know pupils’ attendance at school is both “critical to their learning and their safeguarding”.

Inspectors concluded their report with: “Pupils especially appreciate the opportunity to take part in activities involving gardening and horse riding.

“Pupils have adults that they can talk to if they have worries.

“They learn how to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy.”

Ofsted announced that it would be dropping its one-word rating system in September 2024, to “improve school standards and provide greater transparency for parents," as the government believes one grade is too simple and doesn't reflect performance across different areas.