A SPECIAL school in North Yorkshire has gained the rare honour of a double award for the high standard of its curriculum.

Springhead Community Special School, in Scarborough, takes pupils aged between two and 19 who have severe and profound learning difficulties.

Following an official inspection, the school has now achieved the Primary Basic Skills Award and the Secondary Basic Skills Award.

Only a few schools in the country have won both awards, given by the Government's Basic Skills Agency.

Deputy head Rod Buckle said: "Governors, parents and staff are all delighted with our success, which shows we are achieving an extremely high standard of curriculum delivery, as well as catering for the highly specialised needs of our pupils."