Pupils who attend this school have often faced significant challenges in their previous education settings. Most have missed a considerable amount of learning. At Changing Lives, pupils are welcomed into a safe and caring environment. They learn to trust the adults around them who give pupils the time and attention that they need. This helps pupils to successfully re-engage with their education. Pupils told inspectors that they are happier at Changing Lives and attend more often than they did in their previous schools. A typical view, shared by many, is that this school has helped them to ‘turn around’ their behaviour and attitude to learning. Staff have high expectations for pupils’ conduct. Pupils quickly rise to meet these expectations. Staff are quick to deal with any bullying. Key workers know their pupils very well. Pupils describe the support that these staff provide for them in glowing terms. Over time, pupils learn to respect each other’s differences and get along together. Pupils value the unique opportunities for outdoor and equestrian education that this school provides. They embark on nationally recognised qualifications in horse riding, dog training and small animal care. However, the school’s ambition for pupils’ achievement in some other subjects is not realised. Pupils do not learn consistently well across the curriculum.