Pupils say that Aurora Hedgeway School is like a sanctuary. Many pupils arrive following poor experiences of education. Staff quickly get to know pupils and their specific needs. Positive relationships underpin the school’s success in promoting pupils’ personal development, including in the sixth form. Pupils feel and are safe. They learn well because their needs are met effectively. Consequently, pupils are calm, enjoy their learning and interact successfully with their peers. Staff have very high expectations for pupils. They prioritise preparing pupils for their next steps. Pupils benefit from studying a well-sequenced curriculum that is adapted through personalised programmes. They receive useful and well-considered careers advice, which intensifies in the sixth form. Students are very well prepared for the next stage of their education, employment or training. Leaders have worked hard with staff to improve the curriculum and meet pupils’ needs with success. All pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities. There are clear policies that staff follow diligently. Staff secure positive relationships effectively. Discriminatory or unkind behaviour is not tolerated. Pupils’ behaviour is managed well. Collectively, this helps to ensure that they develop positive attitudes to learning and about themselves.