For many pupils who attend Aspire Ap School, it is a life-changing experience. Most pupils have had a negative experience of education. The caring, supportive staff build positive relationships with pupils. This helps pupils to re-engage with education effectively. Over time, this transforms pupils’ attitudes to learning. The school is a harmonious place to learn. Pupils behave well. Staff support pupils to achieve success, both academically and pastorally. Pupils are happy and feel safe. Staff have high expectations. Pupils work hard to meet these. Staff know pupils and their families well. This helps to develop a holistic view of pupils. An atmosphere of calm and purpose pervades the school. Staff greet pupils warmly as they arrive. Well-established routines, such as morning breakfast, give pupils predictability. Throughout the day, staff support pupils in interacting with each other. This helps pupils to build relationships and make friends. Over time, pupils learn to understand their behaviours and self-regulate their feelings. The school has developed its enrichment offer with pupils’ needs firmly in mind. Residential visits and trips out of school help pupils develop their independence and broaden their experiences. A focus on developing life skills helps to prepare pupils for the next stage of their education and beyond.