TWO special schools are celebrating after being graded outstanding across the board by inspectors.

Hillside in Portslade, and Chailey Heritage in North Chailey, near Lewes, were both given top marks by Ofsted after their latest inspections.

Hillside, under new headteacher Rachel Burstow, was recognised for its contribution to mainstream schools across the city and its excellent teaching.

In her report, lead inspector Helen Howard said: “The new headteacher is dynamic and already planning to secure future improvements.

“This is a school continuously looking forward and taking every available opportunity to make sure that all pupils make the best possible progress.”

Mrs Burstow praised the work of her predecessor Bob Wall and added: “However, it is credit to the incredibly supportive and aspirational team here that I have also been able to make a positive impact since my arrival.”

“Everyone in the school, from the teachers, teaching assistants and midday supervisors to the governors and non-class based staff, are all focused on achieving outstanding learning for all of our pupils.”

Teachers at Chailey Heritage were described as “typically outstanding” and one parent told lead inspector Bob Pugh her child’s life had been transformed since joining the school.

Headteacher Simon Yates said: “This reflects the work of a very dedicated, hardworking and talented team of staff and our seamless integrated working with our NHS partners – specialist therapists, nurses and neuro-paediatric consultants. “Without this integrated team, some of our children would not be able to attend school at all.

“Yet, with the support and skill at Chailey Heritage, the children not only attend, but make outstanding progress.”

There were no recorded incidents of bullying at either school, and both sets of teachers were praised for a deep understanding of the complex needs of their students.

Councillor Sue Shanks, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council’s children and young people committee, said: “Getting an outstanding Ofsted report is very hard these days, so being assessed as outstanding in all areas is an amazing achievement.”

Chailey Heritage is a school for pupils with complex physical difficulties and associated health needs while Hillside meets the needs of a range of pupils with learning difficulties with many students on the autism spectrum.