Abbey School joined Nexus Multi-Academy Trust on 12 June 2016. When its predecessor school, Abbey School, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be good overall. The trust provides leadership and management support, guidance and challenge. The school governors hold leaders to account and are also responsible for the school budget and health and safety matters. The school uses no alternative provision. All pupils who attend the school have an education, health and care plan for moderate and severe learning difficulties. Some have other associated difficulties such as autism Inspection report: Abbey School, 9–10 May 2019 Page 8 of 11 or social, emotional and mental health needs. A high proportion of pupils who attend the school are from White British families. Other pupils come from families representing a range of other ethnic groups. A large proportion of pupils are from a disadvantaged background. Pupils who attend the school come not only from Rotherham but several other local authorities including Sheffield and Nottingham.