Glyne Gap is top of the class

The school in Hastings Road was given an 'outstanding' rating by Ofsted in a recent inspection.

Staff were told of the good news this week.

John Hassell, headteacher of Glyne Gap School, said: "The inspector who came has built a reputation of being a very tough customer, so to get this judgement was pretty good.

"It's a wonderful achievement as far as I am concerned. It's a testament to the commitment of the whole school community maintaining the high standards.

"Staff really want to help the pupils achieve the best they can and in achieving this they become more independent.

"This inspection report will not in any way lessen our efforts.

"The Bexhill community supports our work in many ways, particularly when our pupils are out and about. People are very sympathetic and understanding.

"Our hard work has been recognised and I would like to pay tribute to the staff, pupils and governors. As far as I am concerned every single member of staff is a teacher as they all play a really important part in the pupils' learning."

Glyne Gap School has 114 pupils on its register and is a special school for children with severe or profound physical and/or learning difficulties.

Anne Duffy, in her report, said: "Glyne Gap School is an outstanding school which makes excellent provision in preparing its pupils for adult life.

"Teaching, support, guidance and care are all very strong and an individually tailored curriculum ensures that pupils are able to develop very well the confidence and skills that they will need in future.

"The excellent leadership shown by the headteacher is echoed across the whole team, including the governors.

"All groups of pupils achieve very well, both academically and socially."

She praised the school's strong links with other schools in the area.

Ms Duffy added: "Achievement overall is outstanding. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children make excellent gains in their learning.

"At post-16, students achieve similarly well and gain a range of qualifications, including GCSE and vocational skills accredited by the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN).

"Pupils thoroughly enjoy school and their attitude to learning is very positive. Behaviour overall is outstanding and they build up excellent relationships with staff.

"There is much outstanding teaching, lessons are well planned and the work is very well matched to the full range of needs and abilities.

"The most successful lessons across all departments involve challenge well balanced with praise so that pupils are encouraged to strive for success.

"The curriculum, which is personalised according to pupils' needs, interests and ambitions, is a strength of the school."