Eton Dorney Independent Therapeutic School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 March 2026

Pupils are friendly, polite and welcoming at this deeply caring and aspirational school. Values of nurturing, self-belief, kindness and compassion underpin high expectations and warm relationships. Pupils feel safe and highly supported. Expectations are consistently clear and the school is an oasis of calm, offering a nurturing platform for pupils to manage their emotions and access learning. Behaviour across the school is strong and improving, particularly for the most vulnerable pupils. Leaders have established high expectations that are understood and consistently applied by staff. Excellent pastoral care and warm, respectful relationships help pupils to feel safe, valued and ready to learn. Pupils are not concerned about bullying because leaders address any worries swiftly and robustly. Pupils achieve well here. They develop vital reading, writing, mathematics and communication skills alongside an increasing range of formal qualifications including GCSEs, BTEC National Diplomas and Arts awards. Leaders and proprietors ensure that the curriculum provides impressive preparation for future living. From gardening to shopping to cooking, pupils learn independence, resilience and confidence to look after themselves in the modern world. Pupils thrive in this school with excellent personal development opportunities. They develop workplace skills and knowledge through links with employers and high-quality careers guidance. Pupils embrace world faiths and celebrate diversity as a result of strong personal, social, health and economic education. The school provides targeted support, including pastoral guidance and external agency involvement, to help pupils to attend school consistently. This is particularly transformational for pupils who have been out of education for extended periods of time or struggled to attend previous schools. As a result, attendance for disadvantaged pupils and those with additional needs has risen significantly and continues to improve. Pupils told inspectors that this school has given them a second chance and helped them to believe in themselves.

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