Releasing Potential School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 September 2025

This is a highly inclusive school, where all pupils have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Most pupils have experienced a disrupted education or low school attendance prior to joining the school. The school has established a carefully planned transition process. This supports pupils to settle successfully into the 'releasing potential' approach. Pupils appreciate the difference that the school makes to their lives. They talk about flourishing in this unique environment. Relationships between staff and pupils are a key strength of the school. Adults use these positive relationships to build trust and to help pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for lifelong learning and future employment. The school's core values of love, fun, survival, power and freedom underpin the school's ethos. Pupils feel safe and understand how to keep themselves safe online and in the real world. The school's carefully considered curriculum enables pupils to learn at a pace suited to individual needs and starting points. The focus on outdoor education and learning in the outside environment is pivotal to the school's success. As a result of the way the curriculum is tailored to meet needs, pupils are well prepared for the next stage in their education.

What the school should improve

• In some lessons, staff do not always consider how pupils' EHC plan targets can be met alongside the curriculum objectives. This means that pupils do not always achieve as well as they could. The school should ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills needed to adapt learning to meet the needs of all pupils.
• Some school systems have recently been refined. These are not yet fully embedded. Staff do not always have a robust understanding of how to implement the agreed processes. The school should support staff to implement newer routines effectively and in line with expectations.

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