The Arnewood School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 March 2026

The school's values of ambition, success and together are the foundations of pupils' experience at The Arnewood School. Pupils recognise the changes that have happened at the school to improve what it is like to be pupil at Arnewood. They relish the opportunity to learn a broad curriculum that prepares them for their next steps. Pupils build positive relationships with staff and each other. They know that prejudicial language and bullying are not acceptable. Pupils are confident to report concerns because leaders deal with them. This helps pupils feel safe. Over time, pupils have not achieved as well in national assessments as their peers. However, current pupils are generally achieving well. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged. Leaders ensure there is quick identification of pupils' needs, followed by well-considered adaptations to the curriculum and teaching. This means that barriers to pupils' learning are successfully overcome. Pupils learn in classrooms where disruption is rare. They are keen to do their best. Pupils attend school on a regular basis and know why this is important. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. They learn about difference, tolerance and respect. Pupils then exemplify this understanding in the way they act. Pupils take part in a range of activities in school. These include music and art experiences and a range of sports clubs. They enjoy these, and it brings them together as part of the community. Pupils also have the opportunity to visit places of interest such as museums and the coast. These activities help to bring their learning to life. Leaders remove barriers to attendance so all pupils have the opportunity to benefit from these valuable experiences.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that high-quality assessment is embedded across the curriculum to ensure all pupils' gaps in understanding are closed quickly, enabling them to achieve well.
• Leaders should continue to embed a culture that is highly conducive to learning so pupils to develop high levels of self-discipline to help them become effective independent learners.

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