The school is a calm and welcoming place. Many pupils have experienced periods of unsettled education before enrolling here. They often face numerous barriers when they first arrive as a result. The school unpicks and addresses underlying reasons for these barriers with skill and determination. Pupils learn practical strategies to use if they feel overwhelmed. Pupils respond well to the school’s clear routines and high expectations. Staff support them with patience and understanding. Pupils’ behaviour and attitude to school improves over time as a result. They develop positive relationships with staff and each other. Pupils view school as a place to learn and have fun. The school is ambitious for pupils. Typically, they achieve well. Most pupils go on to access further education at colleges within their locality after completing compulsory education at the end of Year 11. The support that the school provides for pupils to develop positive mental and physical well-being is exemplary. Pupils benefit from the exceptional range of highquality activities on offer to them at social times, or if they need a short break from lessons to compose themselves. For example, the school’s outdoor wooded area, Highgrove, is utilised well for this and other valuable learning.