Merit Hospital School and Medical Pupil Referral Unit

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 July 2025

At Merit Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), pupils who have been hurt by past experiences or face ongoing health and mental health challenges find something precious; a place that sees them, hears them, and believes in them. Here, education is not a demand but a gentle offering, woven with care into every moment. Merit PRU does not simply teach, it heals and restores. Whether at the Willeton Street site or the Royal Stoke Hospital, belief and high expectations shape every lesson and ongoing support. Staff work with compassion and expertise to help pupils manage trauma, anxiety and other health needs. As a result, pupils begin to trust, engage and thrive. They leave as well-prepared learners, eager for growth and achievement. From personalised timetables to therapeutic spaces, every detail is designed to promote emotional safety and mental well-being. Staff support pupils in managing their emotions and developing greater confidence and independence. This creates a nurturing and purposeful environment where positive behaviour is the norm. Charity work and cultural outings to inclusive celebrations cultivate citizenship, respect and resilience. Pupils rediscover their confidence through trusting relationships and carefully crafted opportunities. Therapeutic timetables, leadership roles, clubs and student-led learning light the way to independence.

What the school should improve

• In some instances, the school does not consistently use the full range of assessment information collected when pupils first join to shape the next curriculum steps for pupils. As a result, some pupils begin lessons without the necessary prior knowledge or skills to succeed independently. The school should ensure that, across all subjects, teachers use assessment information effectively to plan well-sequenced lessons that quickly address gaps in pupils' understanding.
• Sometimes, the school is slow to address gaps in pupils' knowledge and skills caused by pupils' absence from lessons. As a result, some pupils struggle with more advanced learning because they lack the necessary foundations. The school should ensure that pupils who miss lessons, whether due to illness or disengagement, are given timely support to catch up.
• In some cases, the management committee does not know the school well enough to fully understand the quality of provision for pupils at the pupil referral unit. This limits their effectiveness in holding leaders to account and managing strategic changes. The school should ensure that all committee members have sufficient knowledge of the school and PRU to carry out their roles effectively.

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