Refocus

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 July 2025

The school has created a culture of respect, support and collaboration. Pupils feel safe, comfortable and confident in the warm and nurturing environment that staff have cultivated. Pupils accurately describe the school as 'calm and sociable'. They state that they feel calmer themselves, thanks to the help that they receive from staff. Every action that staff take is based on the aim that all pupils will be 'employable, sociable and ready' by the time that they leave school. Staff have high expectations of pupils, who have not had positive experiences of education before joining the school. Pupils develop an appreciation of the importance of education. They achieve qualifications and develop knowledge that prepares them well for their next steps. Pupils know that their achievements are recognised and celebrated by the school. They appreciate this. The school helps pupils to develop their talents and interests. Pupils enjoy building their confidence and leadership skills through sports leadership courses. They use these skills when working in the community. For example, pupils organise sports days for their peers in other schools and run events at the local care home. These experiences also help pupils to develop their social skills and sense of community responsibility.

What the school should improve

• On occasion, the work teachers provide pupils with does not focus well enough on the most important knowledge that the curriculum identifies. When this is the case, some pupils become confused and do not learn as well as they could. The school should ensure that pupils consistently benefit from work that enables them to learn the intended curriculum without becoming overwhelmed.
• In relation to some aspects of the quality of the teaching of the curriculum, the school does not consistently identify areas for improvement. As a result, staff do not receive the support that they need to be able to improve those aspects of their teaching. The school should ensure that it has the information that it needs to identify areas for improvement in the quality of teaching, and provide staff with the relevant advice and guidance.

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