Shelldene House School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 February 2025

School life is supportive and empowering for pupils. Staff make sure that pupils feel understood and respected. This creates an environment where pupils can be themselves and feel secure. Pupils know they can rely on staff for both academic and emotional support. They feel listened to. Staff support pupils to re-engage with their education. Lessons support pupils to build on their strengths, while considering their specific needs. The school inspires pupils to set high goals for themselves. Staff help pupils to reach them. Pupils benefit from their school experiences. They acquire valuable knowledge and skills, qualifications and a path to career success. Behaviour is managed in a way that makes pupils feel safe and responsible. This helps lessons to have a calm atmosphere. Staff encourage positive behaviour and focus on reinforcing what pupils do well. Pupils also learn new social skills, which give them confidence in how they interact with others. Pupils can develop niche interests and talents because of the tenacious way the school offers sporting, artistic and cultural experiences. These experiences also help pupils to understand their values, roles and responsibilities within the wider world. They are being prepared well for their next steps.

What the school should improve

• Occasionally, pupils do not receive enough opportunities to develop more legible handwriting and accurate grammar and punctuation. This means that pupils do not quickly build confidence and fluency in writing. The proprietor needs to ensure that the school strengthens its English curriculum so that pupils develop greater fluency and accuracy with handwriting, punctuation and grammar.

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