Kingswode Hoe School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 June 2026

Pupils’ camaraderie is a notable feature of this school. Their warm interactions with one another and with staff make school a happy and safe place to be. Pupils learn to communicate with success. This may be learning to greet others or expressing a want. Staff use adeptly a variety of communication aids and visual tools to support pupils. For those pupils who can express themselves more fully, they chat and use humour with people they meet for the first time. This is testament to a well delivered curriculum that serves precisely the needs of pupils. This includes those pupils with a range of needs, such as severe cognitive learning difficulties alongside autism. Pupils progress well. They achieve the small incremental steps to their education, health and care plan targets. Staff readily extend pupils' learning in their lessons and everyday activities. Pupils rise to this challenge. For instance, they persevere in their forest school sessions when whittling wood or creating fire. There are a plethora of opportunities for pupils to nurture their talents and interests. They enjoy cooking food and creating products to sell in the on site café and shop. Pupils are proud of their achievements, such as overcoming diversity to secure the Duke of Edinburgh award. Many lead activities during play or represent others' views, for instance through eco club or school council. The careful and deliberate design of personal development programmes helps pupils develop the skills they need to be emotionally resilient and independent. Hence, pupils behave well. When they feel overly anxious or overwhelmed they have the tools they need to help themselves to reset and start again. Older pupils know and can explain the nature of their needs and why they may act in certain ways. Consequently, they are prepared well for when they leave school to carry on their education or undertake training.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their plans to enrich and further widen pupils’ work-related opportunities. This is with a view to deepening pupils’ knowledge and understanding of employability skills while also developing their independence.
• Leaders should ensure that they sustain the quality of leadership as they widen and extend their roles and responsibilities.

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