North Ridge is a nurturing and caring place where pupils thrive. The school places pupils’ communication and well-being at the heart of its work. It has very high expectations for pupils’ achievement. All pupils have complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils enjoy their learning. They achieve extremely well from their different starting points. Staff know pupils very well. They form positive and trusting relationships with pupils. This helps pupils to feel safe. Over time, pupils learn the skills that they need to manage their own feelings and emotions. This is shown in the exemplary behaviour of older pupils and students. Pupils are respectful and considerate to staff and towards each other. They have very positive attitudes to their learning. Pupils are prepared exceptionally well to be confident, independent and ready for adulthood. For example, visits to local supermarkets help pupils to learn about road safety. Students in the sixth form make food and serve customers in the ‘Cup and Cake Café’. They also value the opportunity to wash and iron donated items of clothing, before selling these in the ‘2nd Hand Made Shop’. These activities enable pupils to gain valuable life skills, such as communication, job roles and how to manage money.