GLADE School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 October 2023

The school's values of 'respect, resilience and teamwork' are woven through all areas of everyday life. From the moment pupils join the school, they receive high- quality therapeutic and pastoral care. When pupils' lack of confidence and self-belief hinders learning, adults provide skilful support. Consequently, pupils learn to take risks, work independently and experience success in this safe, caring and happy school. As one Year 8 pupil explained, 'We like our school because we know that everyone cares for us, and no one will exclude us for being who we are.' Staff form trusting and respectful relationships with pupils. They have high expectations for what pupils can achieve. Pupils are full of praise for the efforts this school makes to give them opportunities they would not ordinarily have. For example, pupils are excited about trips to the museum, Marwell Zoo, the farm, art galleries, the theatre, the seaside and The Southampton Boat Show. Pupils enjoy organising events for the local community and collecting donations for the different causes they support. Pupils heartily participate in the myriad of 'enrichment activities' which encourage them to pursue their interests. They discover new hobbies such as sewing, canoeing, gardening and crabbing.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils do not attend school often enough. This means that they miss out on important learning and vital school experiences. The school should ensure that its ongoing work leads to high levels of attendance for all pupils.
• Sometimes teachers do not help pupils make links in their work. Where this happens, pupils do not consistently learn as well as they could. The school should refine staff's teaching expertise so that it helps pupils to remember long term the content they have been taught and to integrate new knowledge into larger ideas.

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