SOMERSET’S only school for young people with social, emotional and mental health issues has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted – for the first time over 10 years.

Inspectors noted there had been a great deal of improvement at Sky College, Taunton, due to the “dedication, hard work and ambition of the head teacher and senior leadership team”.

The head, who was appointed three years ago, has been credited with developing a dynamic senior leadership team with the skills and experience required to move the school forward.

Sky College, which caters for ten- to 17-year-olds, has transformed its approach to offer a therapeutically rich curriculum.

It has become a school where stu¬ dents’ needs are carefully assessed and an individualised programme of support is developed in collaboration with professionals, parents/carers and the students.

Students are prepared for future success with a wide range of academic and practical courses.

Chairman of governors Gail Crees said: “We are delighted with the report and wish to congratulate the hard work and effort by all students and staff at Sky.

“I am pleased that inspectors recognised that Sky now has good teaching throughout and staff skilled to sup¬ port students’ needs.

“Our aim is now to work hard to address the areas for development and reach our goal of becoming an out¬ standing school in the next inspection.”

The school, which received a ‘requires improvement’ grading at its last inspection, was this time judged good in all categories apart from the residential experience, which was “adequate”.

Head teacher Richard Berry said: “The school is transformed from the one I took over in 2012.

“We now offer holistic support that enables the boys to develop emo¬ tionally, so that they are then able to achieve academically.

“We believe that, as a school, we act as agents for social change for the benefit of all.

“To that end we are now working with the local authority to develop practice across Somerset.”

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council cabinet member for children and families, said staff and students should be proud of the improved report.

She added: “The leadership team has done a marvellous job in turning the school’s fortunes round and I know the hard work will continue as they look to make further improvements in the future."