Mountjoy School in Bridport has been classified as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors.

The prestigious honour comes despite three different heads in the last decade and a dilapidated building.

Pupils and staff at the Flood Lane special school have been waiting since 1999 for a replacement school, which has now been earmarked in Beaminster.

Despite the difficulties, Ofsted inspector Christine Emerson said the school provided its 39 pupils with an outstanding education.

Headteacher James Franzen, 34, who is the youngest head of a special school in the country, said he was very proud of everyone involved.

He said: “I am extremely proud of all the pupils and staff. For Mountjoy to receive such a positive report from Ofsted in our current accommodation is a true testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by the whole school community.”

Pupils and staff celebrated their accolade with a disco party.

In a letter to pupils Ms Emerson said the school was outstanding in many areas.

These include:

• Its excellent care, support and guidance

• The range of activities teachers provide

• The way the school helps those who struggle to manage behaviour

• The exceptional way it is planning and preparing for the move to the new school.

• The outstanding leadership of the headteacher.

Ms Emerson added there were only a few things that could be done to improve the teaching – getting teachers to watch each other’s lessons to share good ideas and make activities in lessons just the right length and pace.

The report also highlighted the ‘exemplary’ way teachers managed and recorded challenging behaviours and their commitment in providing the best education possible.

The school’s supportive and nurturing ethos was also singled out for praise, as was the excellent curriculum and links with parents, carers and a wide range of outside agencies.

Inspectors emphasised how creative the staff were in making the best use of the current school building and in overcoming its limitations.

Inspectors were also pleased that pupils have been involved in the designing their new school.

Mr Franzen, also the youngest headteacher in Dorset, added: “Mountjoy has a very exciting future as we plan to move into our purpose-built new school in September 2012.

“As a school and community resource we will continue to improve and develop, happy in the knowledge that Ofsted has presented a fair reflection of where we are on our exciting journey.”