A SCHOOL for pupils with special needs has been given a given a gold star report by government inspectors.

Glenburn School in Greenock was awarded two "excellent" and eight "very good" ratings in the HMI report.

The school, which teaches primary and secondary pupils aged 5-18, achieved the top accolade for personal development of pupils and partnerships with parents and the community.

Praise was also given for the quality of the curriculum - which is tailored for individual pupils - and the "very strong" ethos of achievement.

The school, which was the first of its kind in the area, caters for 91 pupils with additional support needs for conditions including autism and dyslexia.

Glenburn also supports youngsters with physical disabilities and emotional problems.

Head teacher Eileen McGeer says the success of the school is down to a determination to promote confidence and high self esteem among pupils, many of whom have had negative experiences in mainstream schools.

She said: "We are delighted with this report. Personal success and development under lines everything that we are about in Glenburn.

"We work very hard to promote confidence, self esteem and a positive attitude to work and life in general.

"It's about pupils having a can-do attitude and fulfilling their potential and it has always been at the heart of what we do at Glenburn school.

"Where you have got happy and confident children you will have successful learners."

Gary Anderson, a P6 pupil, said: "The teachers and auxiliaries are great. They help us a lot with our work.

"Older pupils from other schools also come in to help us in class."

The school, which has four primary classes and six secondary classes, tailors the curriculum to meet the individual needs of pupils.

Glenburn's inclusive atmosphere and the promotion of healthy lifestyles was also praised by inspectors.

Inverclyde council leader Stephen McCabe said: "Glenburn is a fantastic school that puts a strong focus on developing confident and healthy learners."