Pupils at Shaftesbury High School are well cared for. They enjoy positive working relationships with staff. For example, in the mornings, pupils are greeted by a range of adults as soothing classical music fills the air. This helps to encourage a calm and focused start to each day. Staff are trained to support pupils to manage their behaviour. Leaders have set aside quiet spaces around the school to help with this. Pupils also have access to a rich programme of visits and opportunities. These are planned to help pupils to prepare for life beyond the school as young adults. New leadership is starting to improve how well pupils learn. However, the curriculum in several subjects is not designed well. This is because it does not take sufficient account of what pupils already know and can do. As a result, pupils do not build their knowledge and understanding progressively in different subjects. Pupils enjoy school and are kept safe. Bullying is rare. If any incidences do occur, staff deal with things swiftly and effectively. At times, however, pupils’ behaviour is disruptive. They do not conduct themselves in the way that leaders expect. This is because staff do not have consistent expectations for pupils’ behaviour and attitudes.