Brinksway School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 February 2026

Brinksway School is a place where pupils are happy and safe. Staff take time to get to know pupils and truly understand their needs. The care of staff is evident in the relationships that they have with pupils. All adults working at the school have received training on how best to communicate with pupils, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This helps to address any barriers arising out of pupils’ SEND. The positive culture that has been created in the school helps to ensure that pupils enjoy their learning. The school reduces the barriers to pupils’ participation effectively, particularly those around pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs. As a result, pupils' attendance rapidly improves when they join the school. The school ensures that there are arrangements in place to successfully enable pupils to access the curriculum. Pupils progress well through the curriculum from their starting points. The school is committed to making sure that pupils are included in all aspects of school life. The school offers enrichment activities which include animal therapy, swimming and cycling as well as a range of lunchtime clubs that are based on pupils’ interests. These activities engage pupils well and extend their learning beyond the classroom. There is a clear focus on equipping pupils with the skills that they will need for their future independence. For example, where relevant, pupils undertake meaningful work placements to understand their role as positive members of the school or wider local community. Pupils learn about British values and equalities to ensure that they are prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils behave well and have positive attitudes towards school. Any rare instances of bullying are dealt with swiftly and decisively. The school develops positive relationships with parents and carers. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the effect that the school has on pupils. Typically, parents feel that the school gives ‘pupils the stepping stones to live their best lives’.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers make more effective use of assessment strategies so that they know when to move pupils on to the next steps in their learning at the earliest opportunity.
• Leaders should ensure that the tasks that teachers ask pupils to complete are more specifically matched to what pupils already know so that they can deepen their knowledge and understanding.
• Leaders should ensure that there is a more consistent approach to addressing weaknesses in the formation of letters in pupils’ writing so that the quality of their work improves.

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