Ofsted inspectors have found significant improvement in the Kisharon special needs school in Golders Green, rating its overall effectiveness as good.

Their report describes the school as “a calm, supportive learning environment where pupils thrive both socially and academically”. In two of the individual categories — pupil behaviour and personal development, and welfare, health and safety — the grade was outstanding.

In a summary of findings, Ofsted noted a “broad and balanced” curriculum and good leadership and management.

Areas the school needed to improve in order to become outstanding included Jewish studies provision for the more able pupils and the greater involvement of governors.

Kisharon chief executive Dr Beverley Jacobson said: “Given that we had one ‘good’ standard and four ‘satisfactory’ passes in 2010, this is a huge achievement.

“True credit must be given to Sora Kopfstein, the head, and her wonderful staff team for their hard work, dedication and ongoing efforts.”

The school has 37 pupils aged between four and 19 with a wide range of special educational needs.