Ashley High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 February 2025

The school wants 'only the best' for its pupils. This aim is reflected in all aspects of the school's work. Pupils, who all have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are greeted with a warm welcome when they arrive in the morning. Staff are exceptionally encouraging and supportive. A profound sense of care and positive energy permeates in all areas. The school is a calm and orderly environment. Well trained, skilled staff help pupils to manage their behaviour and emotions with increasing success. Pupils' respond remarkably well to staff's high expectations for their behaviour. They follow the school rules to earn 'credits' for their reward time. The school has maintained exceptional expectations for pupils' achievement. It focuses its attention on pupils gaining the knowledge and skills to enable them to secure their independence and be prepared for adulthood. Pupils make strong progress from their starting points. The school meticulously provides a wide range of experiences for pupils. This includes a range of trips, including visits to the cinema, galleries or visiting the orchestra. Older pupils have the opportunity to complete their Duke of Edinburgh award. For other pupils, they get to practise life skills which helps them to live as independent a life as possible.

What the school should improve

• A few curriculum leaders have not had enough opportunity to develop their skills to oversee their areas of responsibility well. This means that, at times, they cannot support the school effectively to identify what is working well for pupils in these areas or where further refinements might be needed. The school should ensure that curriculum leaders have opportunities to check their areas of responsibility to identify where any improvements are needed.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)