Chances Mentoring

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 March 2026

Pupils at Chances Mentoring gain a strong sense of belonging because staff make them feel valued, included and safe. Staff quickly get to know pupils, which helps them tailor the school’s educational offer to pupils’ needs and aspirations. Pupils get along well with staff and enjoy learning. This is reflected in significant improvements in attendance for most pupils. Staff gently coach pupils to manage their own behaviour increasingly well. Pupils maintain friendships with their peers and have positive attitudes towards school. Staff deal swiftly with any rare instances of bullying so that issues do not escalate. Teachers help to fill gaps in pupils’ understanding that have arisen due to previously low attendance in other settings. There is a clear focus on equipping pupils with the knowledge they need for their next steps in their education. The encouragement and support of staff ensure that pupils become successful learners. Leaders are adept at understanding pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities. They identify pupils’ barriers to learning well, including those who have been known to social care or who are disadvantaged. Staff ensure that pupils are enabled to access the curriculum and make positive progress through it to achieve well. Pupils are included in all aspects of school life, such as the range of sporting activities on offer at lunchtimes. They benefit from wider opportunities that reinforce the curriculum, including visiting speakers who help pupils understand how to manage risk and keep themselves safe. Pupils also enjoy a range of trips, such as visits to museums and careers events. They are proud to represent their school at sporting tournaments such as for football and curling. The school takes every opportunity to help pupils become positive members of society so that they are prepared well for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that pupils gain an even deeper understanding of the fundamental British values and equalities to further improve their preparation for life in modern Britain.
• In some subjects, leaders should ensure that teachers make greater use of assessment to identify what key knowledge pupils remember to further inform teaching and learning.

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