Mary Rose Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

The school's ethos of 'it's got to be possible' is evident throughout the school. Staff show no limits to the aspirations that they have for pupils. This is evident in the high-quality opportunities that all pupils benefit from. For example, all pupils enjoy a school residential, designed to develop their resilience. Pupils have their individual needs met consistently well at this highly aspirational school. The impact of the school is transformative for many pupils. Staff work closely with each pupil to ensure that they learn the essential skills needed for their next steps. Pupils are expertly supported to become increasingly independent and confident in their communication. Pupils, including those with the most complex needs, are supported to feel valued and to have a voice in the school. Pupils love learning. They show high levels of attention to their teachers. They engage very positively with the purposeful activities staff provide. Many pupils are supported to make their first meaningful steps into the world of work as a result of the school’s innovative ‘classroom in the heart of industry’ approach. Pupils achieve very well and make clear progress from their starting points. They are highly prepared for their life beyond school. The school provides a calm and purposeful environment in which all pupils flourish. Staff work hard to build deep and caring relationships with pupils. Pupils feel safe and happy as a result of this work. This is evident in the smiles and laughter that pupils exhibit on arrival at school. Pupils who need additional help to regulate their behaviour are very well supported. Skilled staff work tirelessly with pupils to engage with them and return them to learning. Deeply embedded routines and expectations lead to pupils behaving very well.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to refine and connect their evaluative processes so that developments across sites and pathways are understood well and used to shape provision with increasingly far-reaching benefits for pupils’ evolving needs.

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