A Swanley special needs school has won a victory in its battle against major changes proposed by its local authority backers.

Kensington and Chelsea Council wants Parkwood Hall School to stop admitting boarders, change the sort of pupils it takes in and convert to an academy.

But the governing body of the school in Beachenlea Lane has proposed it reverts to a foundation trust and continue to offer residential places.

A judgement by the government’s Schools Adjudicator has now backed that proposal, and ruled Kensington and Chelsea cannot legally force the school to stop admitting boarders.

Sophie Sainty’s son Max, aged 13, has just started his second year of weekly boarding at Parkwood Hall.

Mrs Sainty, who is also a governor at the school, said: “It’s such a relief because it was such a shock when we heard about the council’s suggestion to stop the boarding.

“It means Max can stay at Parkwood Hall until he’s 19. His first year’s been a great success and he’s made lots of progress.

“If he can stay there and keep making the same progress then, for his dad and I, that would be so good.”

A date of November 1 has been set for Parkwood Hall to become a foundation.

As part of the process it will link up with music and education charity ProCorda Trust and the charity Wide Horizons, which runs adventure learning centres.

There will also be links made with special schools Brent Knoll and Watergate, as well as the Co-operative College, which will provide training and professional support.

Adjudicator Phil Whiffing rejected Kensington and Chelsea’s argument that becoming a foundation "would have a negative impact on standards at the school."

But he did leave the door open for the local authority’s proposal that Parkwood Hall should cater far more for children with severe learning difficulties rather than those with moderate ones.

A Kensington and Chelsea spokesman said: "The council will consider the adjudicator’s decision, which supports the school’s proposal to convert to foundation status.

“The council is also reviewing the feedback to its own consultation and will work with the school to ensure the best outcome for pupils and their families.”

Parkwood Hall School caters for 76 pupils, aged seven to 19, with moderate and severe learning difficulties, some of whom have autism and trouble with speech and communication.

Kensington and Chelsea took it over in 1990 when the former Inner London Education Authority was dissolved and its assets distributed.