Cambridge School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 October 2024

Expectations at the school are extremely high, with staff demonstrating an unrelenting ambition for pupils from the moment they join. They want to give pupils every chance to achieve across a broad range of subjects. The school supports learning by using what pupils already know, providing specialist resources to help them focus and meeting their individual needs. Consequently, pupils meet the high expectations the school has for every pupil. Due to their needs, pupils sometimes find it hard to manage their emotions. When this happens, well-trained staff skilfully support them. When bullying happens, pupils know that adults will deal with any issues immediately and sensitively. Pupils receive an excellent package of support during their time here. This prepares them extremely well to be able to learn alongside others and live successfully in a family home. Pupils appreciate being treated as individuals, and staff help them to learn that they are also very much part of a wider community. Getting out into the community helps pupils to develop their independence. For example, they go shopping, canoeing and visit the park. These visits also improve their communication skills. Pupils have opportunities to perform at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall. The impact of such activities is evident in the increased engagement and raised self-esteem of pupils, who take pride in exhibiting their work and performing publicly.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, the school's curricular thinking does not make clear what content pupils should learn and when. This limits pupils' deeper subject-specific knowledge and skills in these subjects. The school should ensure that the curriculum is set out in a coherent and well-sequenced way in all subjects.

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