AS he shows me round the grounds of Lakeside School, head teacher Gareth Evans picks up every single piece of litter – no matter how small. He says it’s automatic and has to stop himself from doing it when he visits other schools.

Mr Evans, who has been at the school for boys with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties since 2001, said: “I find that if you concentrate on the little things – litter, manners, and language – then it helps the bigger picture too.”

Now he is celebrating with teachers and pupils after inspectors gave the school the highest rating possible.

They said the Chandler’s Ford school was “outstanding” across the board.

It’s the third time Mr Evans and his team have got the top grade since 2007. Inspectors said teachers at the schools are “determined to transform the lives of pupils” and have “high aspirations” for the children they teach.

Speaking to the Echo, Mr Evans said he is “obviously delighted” with the result and added: “It reads as one of the best ever

published for any school, in my view.

“I’m proud of the perseverance, drive and dedication from my amazing team of staff. It’s all about the pupils and their learning. And I’m proud of the input we all make into this very challenging but rewarding environment.”

In September a class of year six boys who were struggling in mainstream schools joined Lakeside.

The school caters for secondary aged boys with social, emotional and or behavioural difficulties who may also have autism, attachment difficulties, OCD, ADHD, dyslexia or moderate learning difficulties.

Factfile

On roll: 84 pupils

Last Ofsted: November 2017, outstanding

On leaving 100% of pupils get into college

100% pupils get 1 GCSE or equivalent

15 pupils are boarders

60-70% qualify for school meals

Catchment area: Hampshire

Local authority: HCC

Caters for children on the autistic spectrum