Brearley Hall School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 September 2025

Pupils feel secure and well supported at Brearley Hall School. Many pupils have faced interruptions to their learning previously. Some have been absent from education for extended periods. The school enables pupils to move on from these challenges. On arrival, they adapt quickly and establish friendships. The constructive, caring guidance that staff provide helps pupils to feel happy and settled. This enables pupils to reconnect with their learning. Pupils understand that staff expect them to apply themselves and to do well. They generally respond positively to these expectations. In class, pupils engage with their learning. For instance, they volunteer responses and to read aloud. When unsure, they ask questions to secure their understanding. Pupils gain suitable qualifications that prepare them well for their next steps. This includes at GCSE level, where appropriate, across a variety of subjects. Pupils typically conduct themselves sensibly in school. They are supported to regulate their feelings. As a result, they make appropriate decisions about their behaviour. Parents and carers are positive about the school. Some report that it has made a significant difference to their children's lives. This is because pupils form trusting relationships and are supported to succeed in a nurturing environment.

What the school should improve

• Assessment is not used consistently across subjects. At times, the checks made on pupils' learning do not identify whether pupils are fully secure with prior learning before they move on to new content. This means that assessment of pupils' learning over time is not always clear and staff cannot be sure of what pupils know and can do. The school should work to ensure there is consistency in assessment so that staff can be assured of what progress pupils are making.
• The school has not fully addressed the significant absence of some pupils. This impacts on how well pupils learn and hinders their progress. The school should continue to review how they work with parents and other agencies to tackle pupils' poor attendance.

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