A SEDGEMOOR special school has been praised by Government inspectors for its expertise in teaching youngsters with learning difficulties.

Mark College was commended as a good school with outstanding features, which was providing an effective education for all its pupils.

Ofsted inspectors highlighted the "good quality of education" and "expertise in teaching pupils" which contributed to "pupils making good and sometimes outstanding progress".

The school, which specialises in teaching children with dyslexia, was complimented for its 2006 GCSE exam results after 82% of pupils achieved five A*-C grades against the national average of 45%.

Inspectors also praised the school's sport provision as "outstanding" and this was seen as a key feature in developing students' self-esteem.

The school was scrutinised in January but the findings were not publishing until Thursday (February 8).

Head teacher Julie Kay said: "Our last Ofsted report in 2001 was very complimentary.

"But we didn't want to rest on our laurels and we wanted to continue the good work.

"The school is designed to help students with dyslexia and we try to enable these bright young people to show what they are capable of without being penalised because they cannot read or write."

Mark College is an independent school with 79 boys and one girl enrolled as full-time students. Yearly fees range from £14,640 to £28,134 and the vast majority of students are boarders.

The Ofsted report stated Mark College could improve by ensuring lessons focus of pupils' individual needs and suggested more opportunities to explore different cultures.

Mrs Kay said: "We always take into account what these reports tell us and we will address these issues.

"We are now looking to September when we are opening a sixth form centre.

"We have always taken students up to the age of 16 but there are many that would like to extend their education."