Grange Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 June 2026

Pupils are overwhelmingly proud of their school. They are hugely appreciative of the lengths to which staff go to ensure they are safe, ready to learn and successful. Pupils thrive here in terms of their confidence, independence and communication and language. This is due to how well their education, health and care plan targets are woven into all aspects of school life. Pupils have the necessary communication tools to express their wishes and feelings to their trusted adults. The school environment is carefully adapted to meet pupils' sensory, social and emotional needs. This fosters a palpable sense of security and belonging. This is significant as many pupils start this school feeling misunderstood or unworthy. However, pupils soon foster a love of learning and make firm friendships, and their self-esteem blossoms. This change is remarkable. They want to come to school and so attendance is consistently high. Pupils relish being asked their views on all aspects of school life. They actively contribute to decisions about the curriculum, wider opportunities and their futures. They influence what rewards are stocked in the school shop, how to manage the school farm and how to look after the horticultural area. They love acting as tour guides for the school farm. Pupils are ably supported to be prepared for adult life through work experience. Carefully selected, tailored visits and wider experiences mean pupils can apply life skills in real-life situations, for example developing independence and self-organisation on residential trips and raising money for their own projects. Pupils try new experiences that would once have seemed out of reach, such as public speaking, singing in a choir or helping out at a local senior residential home. There is high take-up of after-school clubs, which are also chosen by the pupils. Academically, pupils overall achieve well from their starting points. This includes the many pupils who are eligible for pupil premium funding. All pupils follow curriculum pathways aligned accurately to their needs. The school successfully ensures pupils can access their learning.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure staff adapt learning activities more precisely and consistently so that learning opportunities are maximised in order for pupils to achieve more highly.

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