Hopedale school is a very special school where pupils thrive. Many pupils arrive at the school after significant periods of disrupted education. Staff know and understand this, so they take the time to get to know the pupils individually. They develop strong and trusted relationships. Leaders have the highest expectations of pupils’ achievement and behaviour. After pupils arrive, staff quickly identify pupils’ interests and gaps in their knowledge, and put in place a highly personalised learning programme. Pupils rise to these expectations because staff carefully support each pupil to help them achieve their very best. Pupils feel very safe in school because they know that staff care for them. Leaders have put in place strong pastoral systems that help to keep pupils safe. Pupils say that bullying can sometimes happen, but if it does adults ensure it is dealt with quickly. All staff are relentless in developing pupils’ independence and resilience. They carefully identify gifts and talents that pupils did not realise they had. For example, pupils learn to play piano, drums and sing, and then perform at a local hall. Pupils are incredibly proud of their achievements and proudly shared these with inspectors.