The Horizon School, Hartlepool

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 March 2023

The Horizon School is a pupil referral unit that caters for pupils aged 11 to 16 years who have been permanently excluded from school or who risk exclusion. Horizon includes the Haven class, which caters for pupils with a range of health needs that have led to extensive periods of non-attendance at mainstream secondary schools. From the moment a pupil starts at Horizon, they are provided with exceptionally high levels of care, structure and support. Pupils rapidly improve their attendance at school and their engagement in learning. The headteacher provides inspirational leadership. His commitment to ensuring that all pupils achieve their best permeates all aspects of school life. Leaders have established clear expectations for pupils' behaviour. These allow staff to create a learning environment that is calm and where pupils behave extremely well. All staff foster warm and caring relationships with pupils. In turn, pupils are polite and demonstrate high levels of respect for staff and for each other. If a pupil has anxieties or concerns, they are able to share these with staff and receive the help they need. A truly inclusive school has been established. In the words of one pupil, 'We are a tight knit community and look out for each other.' Leaders work highly effectively with local secondary schools, parents and pupils to support reintegration to mainstream provision wherever possible. Detailed transition plans support this process to ensure that the vast majority of pupils are successful on their return.

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