The Gilberd School has shown itself to be a shining light in education after being awarded prestigious Beacon Status.

Beacon Status is reserved only for schools which have shown they are achieving high standards and providing an excellent education for their pupils.

The prized accolade is judged using information obtained through Ofsted inspection and the school's performance in examination and assessments.

But to be considered for Beacon Status the school in Brinkley Lane, Colchester, first had to be nominated.

Today (Friday), deputy head teacher Linda Exley said: "We are all absolutely delighted. We were invited to apply as a result of two things.

"We had a very very successful Ofsted report. Also, HMS Chief Inspector Chris Woodhead mentioned us in his report as one of the schools which had shown, through their Ofsted Inspection and their performance in examination and assessments, to be providing an excellent education for their pupils."

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