A school that promises to never give up on its pupils has been recognised with the highest Ofsted award of “outstanding”.

The Limes College, the pupil referral unit in Robin Hood Way, Sutton, received confirmation of its success in a report published on April 17.

The inspectors praised the “excellent progress” students made with many experiencing “success for the first time in their school career”.

The success rate of the students was also singled out for praise with “virtually all students” in Key Stage 4 leaving with recognised qualifications, going on to further courses, apprenticeships or jobs when they left.

This was put down to the “outstanding leadership” of the headteacher who was “driving rapid improvement” and “strongly supported” by the leadership team and the management committee.

Emma Bradshaw has been the headteacher at the school for 10 years.

She said: “We have really developed our positive support.

“We make a difference at the Limes College; we never give up. We change lives and futures.”

The school takes on students from other schools and once at Limes College benefit from the support structures that are in place.

She said: “We work together with other groups to support our students.

“We look to address the reason behind their behaviour and then getting their learning up to date.

“Our job is to transform the students, give them another chance.

“We need to learn what are their barriers to learning.

“Once we’ve got that, and these can range from anything such as a recent bereavement, and we help them overcome that and get them as many qualifications as we can.

“Then we get in another intake.

“Positive outcomes include the students getting apprenticeships, or going back to college.

“Our job is to get them back on track.

“We are very proud of the Ofsted report, but there is still lots to do.

“Every day is a challenge.”