A Highbury special school has been given an “outstanding” Ofsted rating for the second time in a row.

Samuel Rhodes School – which was inspected in March – was found to be “outstanding” in all areas, with inspectors saying “the school is like one big family” and “pupils’ behaviour is excellent”.

When the Highbury New Park school was last inspected in December 2012 there were 89 pupils aged between five and 16, but the school now boasts 126 students up to the age of 19.

“I am really proud,” said headteacher Julie Keylock. “Since our last inspection, Ofsted’s inspection criteria have changed twice, becoming more challenging each time.

“On top of that the school roll has changed significantly since our last inspection. The needs of our pupils have also become increasingly complex and challenging.

“The whole team here at Samuel Rhodes are highly motivated and over the last five years have worked tirelessly to meet our pupils’ changing needs. This report is a ringing endorsement of that commitment.”

The report rated both of the school’s two sites – the secondary provision in Highbury New Park and the primary provision in Hornsey Road – as “outstanding”.