Newbridge School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 October 2023

Pupils who join Newbridge School have experienced a disrupted education. Many have been out of school for a while. At Newbridge, pupils say that they have found a school where they feel safe. They know staff want the very best for them and they feel valued. The school is calm and orderly. Staff know their pupils well. If pupils are finding the school day hard, there is always someone for them to talk to. The expert intervention support team makes sure that pupils get the help they need when they need it. As a result, pupils are able to learn well. Pupils value the broader curriculum that the school has introduced. They know that they are being prepared to return to mainstream school or college or to an appropriate next placement. Pupils are recognised for their learning and behaviour and try hard to earn 'BLD points', which they can use for weekly rewards. Pupils enjoy taking part in sporting competitions with local schools and going on trips to science parks, careers fairs and a bowling facility. Pupils are being prepared well for their future.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum, in particular in some subjects at key stage 3 and for those pupils who are on part-time timetables, does not match leaders' ambitions for pupils. It does not ensure that all pupils are prepared well enough for their next steps. Leaders should review the curriculum that is currently in place in order to make sure that it matches pupils' needs and aspirations and prepares them well for their next steps.
• The single central record does not record the pre-recruitment checks that have been conducted on staff well enough. Some checks are not recorded accurately on the system that is in place. This means that leaders cannot assure themselves easily that all the right checks on staff have been carried out. Leaders should make sure that the system for recording pre-recruitment checks is clear and fit for purpose.
• Some pupils do not attend school often enough. This means that they do not benefit from the curriculum and wider opportunities that the school offers. Leaders should continue their work on improving attendance, so that all pupils can benefit from the curriculum and provision that are put in place to make sure that they are ready for their next steps.

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