A SPECIAL school in Finchley has been judged outstanding in its latest Ofsted report.

Oak Lodge Special School, in Heath View, joins the three other community special schools in the borough to be awarded the highest level of approval by the Government schools inspectorate.

The maintained community special school offers place to 165 students aged between 11 - 19 who have a range of learning difficulties.

The report into the school was released last week and the inspector noted: “Oak Lodge is an outstanding school.

“The care, guidance and support which all staff provide are exemplary, ensuring that students gain excellent personal, social and learning skills.

“All students make outstanding progress in their academic learning regardless of ethnicity, gender or their special educational needs.”

Head teacher Lynda Walker, who was praised in the report for her level of leadership, said: “This is a fantastic achievement which recognises the commitment and enthusiasm of the school's staff, parents and pupils.”

Last year, the Times Series visited Oak Lodge for Mitzvah Day and helped improve its garden so the pupils have an outdoor space to enjoy.