Grateley House School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 July 2025

This school is a place where pupils feel valued and well supported. The nurturing ethos is evident throughout the environment and is underpinned by the trusting relationships between pupils and staff. These are rooted in a precise understanding of individual special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Clear routines help pupils feel safe and secure. Pupils are warmly welcomed into school. This helps them to start the day in a positive manner. Expectations for behaviour are high and pupils are given the support they need to meet these. The school's core values of 'be brave, be kind, be you' are lived out and celebrated. For many pupils the school represents their first experience of feeling a sense of belonging in an educational setting. They speak positively about the help they receive and the pride they feel in being part of the 'Grateley family'. Pupils describe the school as a uniquely special place where everyone is celebrated for who they are. Pupils learn across a well-sequenced curriculum. Staff tailor learning to meet the needs of pupils. As a result, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.

What the school should improve

• Some areas of the curriculum are still being refined. In these subjects the school has not precisely identified the knowledge that pupils need to know and remember. This means that pupils do not always learn as deeply as they could. The school should continue to embed the curriculum changes so that all subjects reflect the school's ambition.
• A few of the school's systems are not always fully understood by staff. As a result, there is sometimes variation in how well implemented they are. The school should continue to review the effectiveness of school procedures and ensure that staff understand the expectations around these.

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