Pupils are happy that staff in this school understand them. They trust staff and are confident that their complex needs can be met here. Pupils have usually experienced difficulties in their lives and often have not managed to cope in education before coming here. For most pupils, Ian Mikardo changes all that. Pupils are skilfully helped to increasingly manage their own behaviour, assured that staff sensitively and subtly offer a safety net of support if needed. Pupils understand how leaders tackle bullying and are confident that it is not tolerated here. Leaders help pupils to see the long-term consequences of any discriminatory behaviour so that they do not repeat their mistakes. Leaders and staff have high expectations of pupils. Some staff have expertise in other professions, such as social care. This enables leaders to consider what is best for each pupil from a very well-informed position. Leaders place a priority on developing pupils’ self-belief. Staff and pupils describe the school as being like a family. Pupils enjoy and value the wider opportunities on offer. For example, students in the sixth form attend a lunchtime recital at the Royal Opera House. Pupils also enjoy helping out in the coffee bar and preparing refreshments for visitors.