SAIL (Salisbury Academy for Inspirational Learning)

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 July 2026

SAIL Academy is an inclusive place to learn. Deeply committed staff provide a warm welcome. They take time to check how pupils are feeling as they arrive each morning. Throughout the day, staff ensure pupils benefit from positive, rewarding experiences. Pupils know they are accepted for who they are. They trust staff to support and guide them. Most pupils attend well. They feel safe and valued. Bullying is not tolerated. Pupils know that staff will help them if they have any worries. All pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Many pupils join the school with significant gaps in their learning. For many pupils, this is their first positive experience of school and education. Staff know the pupils well. They support pupils to develop strategies to manage their behaviour and to engage in learning. Consequently, pupils become increasingly confident and independent. Classrooms are orderly and purposeful. Clear routines help pupils to understand what is expected of them. Pupils behave well. Pupils typically engage well with activities and respond positively to staff guidance. When pupils find things difficult, staff intervene promptly. This means pupils can return to learning with minimal disruption. All pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, benefit from learning that extends beyond the classroom. They learn essential life skills. For example, staff support pupils to develop the knowledge they need to travel independently on public transport. This helps pupils prepare for life beyond school. Pupils make positive steps towards achieving their education, health and care plan outcomes. They enjoy learning. In some subjects, pupils develop the skills and knowledge they need to build on previous learning. However, this is not yet consistent across the curriculum. In some subjects, pupils do not achieve as quickly from their starting points as leaders intend. As a result, some pupils are not yet fully prepared for the next stages of their learning.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that assessment is used to identify and address gaps in learning so that pupils can build consistently on their previous knowledge and skills.
• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is consistently designed well and that all staff have the expertise to deliver it as intended, so that pupils learn important knowledge securely.

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