Pupils enjoy coming to Abbot’s Lea School. They look forward to learning with their friends. Pupils are happy and safe. Staff provide effective support to new pupils so that they settle in quickly. Pupils, and students in the sixth form, benefit from a well-planned curriculum. Teachers have high expectations of pupils. They follow pupils’ individual support plans carefully. Teachers are successful in ensuring that pupils work towards their education, health and care plan (EHC plan) objectives. Consequently, pupils progress well through the curriculum. When pupils are upset or anxious, they receive effective support from staff. Pupils know that staff will quickly resolve any occasional fallouts or incidents of bullying. Most pupils behave well throughout the school day. All pupils, and students in the sixth form, said that they felt safe in school. Pupils carry out their leadership roles well. More pupils now serve on the school council, increasing pupils’ involvement in decisions that affect them. Pupils are keen to help others. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps in education. Older pupils, and students in the sixth form, receive high-quality careers information, advice and guidance. Pupils learn to travel independently, manage their time and write an effective curriculum vitae. Currently, there are unresolved tensions between leaders and some staff. While this is not affecting the overall quality of education for pupils, it is preventing ongoing school improvement.