Forest Way School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 March 2026

Pupils with different abilities, needs and starting points thrive at Forest Way School. They follow tailored pathways through an appropriately adapted curriculum to prepare them for life beyond the school and their adulthood. Communication is at the heart of the curriculum. Pupils learn how to express their thoughts in a variety of ways. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps. All pupils, including children in the early years, develop the key knowledge and skills that they will need for future learning. Post-16 students gain the qualifications and experiences that will help them once they leave the school. These activities are carefully tailored. All pupils enjoy residential visits, and some post-16 students are regularly in a local workplace. These experiences broaden pupils' horizons. Pupils achieve well both academically and personally. Staff skilfully remove barriers to their learning and wellbeing to help pupils to succeed. Pupils’ learning in the classroom is enhanced by a vast range of enrichment activities. All pupils have access to a wide set of experiences, including trips, clubs and outdoor learning. All pupils have the opportunity to experience a residential trip. Pupils are encouraged to eat healthily and take regular exercise. Staff also promote pupils’ emotional wellbeing. Pupils enjoy school and behave well. They feel happy and safe. Pupils are considerate of others. They are confident that staff would resolve any instances of unkindness that may occur. Pupils know that staff listen to them if they have any concerns. Pupils and staff have positive and productive relationships. Most pupils have high attendance. The school helps those who are absent more often to attend as regularly as possible. Pupils want to come to school to learn. They enjoy a range of subjects and understand how what they are learning now will help them in the future.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and governors should sustain the effectiveness of their work, and that of their staff, in all areas to maintain their focus on securing continued development of the school's high-quality provision, including its post-16 offer, to drive a transformational impact for all pupils.

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