Newingate School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 April 2024

'Truly amazing' is how one parent and carer summed up Newingate School. Another, referring to staff, said, 'They go above and beyond.' Pupils typically join the school after a turbulent period of education. Some have not attended school for a prolonged period. Pupils are proud of their school. They feel happy and safe. As a result, most attend well. Staff effectively support pupils who struggle to attend. Staff warmly welcome pupils and get to know them as individuals. Staff have high expectations for what pupils will achieve. Pupils meet these expectations consistently. The values of 'acceptance, safety and kindness' are actively promoted. Staff have a strong understanding of pupils' individual learning and social, emotional and mental health needs. Staff provide bespoke support that meets these needs. The work of the therapy team has a positive impact. Pupils generally behave well. Staff use highly personalised strategies to support pupils' behaviour. The way the school promotes pupils' personal development is exceptional. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is threaded through school life. An extensive programme of enrichment activities, trips and focus days, together with highly personalised careers advice and work experience opportunities, helps to prepare pupils exceptionally well for the future.

What the school should improve

• Staff do not consistently check that pupils have understood what they have learned. This means that pupils sometimes develop misconceptions or gaps in understanding which are not routinely addressed before they move on in their learning. Leaders should ensure that staff consistently check pupils' understanding of the content they have learned and adapt teaching accordingly to ensure that pupils' understanding is secure.

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