An ‘exceptional’ school in Essex has been named the best in the country. Kingsdown School in Southend was crowned School of the Year in the recent Education Today awards.
The award category recognises schools that practice great teaching, have good leadership and cares for pupils and staff. Kingsdown School, on Snakes Lane, is a specialist school for children aged three to 14 who have severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, physical disabilities and associated learning difficulties.
Kingsdown was graded Outstanding by Ofsted after an inspection in 2024. Inspectors described the school as being “exceptional” and one where pupils “thrive and flourish”.
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They added: “They [pupils] love school. They develop excellent communication and independence skills. The staff know the pupils incredibly well.
“They ensure that every pupil is making progress all the time. Parents and carers feel well supported by staff and know that their children are safe and well looked after.
“The school is a close community. Pupils enthusiastically celebrate others’ successes in lessons and at celebration assembly. The very youngest quickly join in and take a full part. They sing or sign the school song with pride at being part of Kingsdown.”
“The school has high aspirations for pupils,” they continued. “Everyone is included in everything. The school gives pupils high-quality opportunities, overcoming the challenges of disability. Pupils go to the beach to take part in teamwork and art projects.
“Many pupils are part of the orchestra and perform on stage with other schools. Pupils enjoy regular cycling; the wide range of bikes and trikes mean that everyone can enjoy the feeling of speed and success.”
The school’s website says: “Kingsdown School has a warm family environment where pupils flourish through personalised learning curriculums which are broad and balanced, fully integrated with speech and language therapy, sensory occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social, emotional and mental health support with opportunities to develop independence and essential life skills. We value close professional relationships and, most importantly, our relationships with the families that we serve.”