A school for deaf children and young people has been rated as 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

Mary Hare School in Newbury, Berkshire, received the top rating in all areas after the annual Ofsted visit for residential care.

The school, which has students attending from across the UK, was praised for its exceptional residential care.

The Ofsted report stated: "Managers and staff have created a highly aspirational culture that helps children to achieve their full potential and improves their life chances."

The report also praised the staff for being "attuned and responsive to children's presenting needs" and for being "invested in the ethos of the school and take great pride in supporting development."

For many pupils, attending the school has been described as "transformational" for them and their parents.

One pupil said: "Moving to the school has allowed me to meet my best friends, express myself, and find out who I am as a person."

Principal Robin Askew said: "This is a great achievement and reflects the concerted work over many years of all staff, but especially those who work in residential care.

"This result reflects our commitment to maintain Mary Hare as an ambitious and aspirational school, transforming the lives of deaf children and young people."

Ofsted also recognised the school's safeguarding as a significant strength, describing it as "proactive," "methodical," and "transparent."

The report stated that "children enjoy access to a range of social and educational learning opportunities that are planned around the education timetable," highlighting the school's holistic approach.

This involves collaboration between in-house therapists, wellbeing staff, teachers, and residential staff.