New Ways School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 February 2026

Pupils arrive at New Ways School with barriers that have previously affected how well they engage with education. Staff, families and pupils work together to overcome these barriers. The school changes pupils’ attitudes and provides the right environment and support, so pupils feel safe, re-engage with learning and are happy at school. Pupils behave well. They know that staff would deal with any bullying quickly if it were to happen. They get on with each other at social times and are calm and focused on learning in classrooms. Pupils are proud when their positive behaviour enables them to collect behaviour points and rewards, such as games and off-site visits. Pupils understand that there are times when they or their peers might find it difficult to manage their emotions. They trust staff to deal with these incidents effectively. Pupils know that every day is a new start at this school. The school provides pupils with a broad range of experiences. They visit museums and other local attractions to enhance their learning. Pupils regularly visit outdoor activity centres, where they experience canoeing and rock climbing. These activities build confidence and resilience. Pupils develop responsibility in a range of ways. For example, they may care for the school animals or prepare their own lunches. Pupils’ opinions matter to the leaders, and pupils’ voices are listened to through the school council. As a result, pupils’ ideas have been instrumental in organising school celebrations, changing furniture and replacing outdoor surfaces for safer breaktimes. Pupils develop friendships and a sense of belonging through working together and caring for each other. The school organises wellbeing events, where ‘random acts of kindness’ encourage pupils to think of others and develop empathy.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure there is an effectively implemented assessment system in all subjects so that pupils' work is regularly and thoroughly assessed, providing teachers with the information they need to plan effective teaching.
• Leaders should ensure staff, including support staff, have the skills and information that they need to provide precise and effective support so pupils learn consistently well.

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