Pupils join Bettws Lifehouse School after a turbulent journey through education. For many, the school represents the final opportunity to achieve the qualifications and skills needed for success in adult life. Staff know this and do not let pupils down. They treat pupils with kindness, understanding and compassion. Pupils know and value this. Over time, they rise to meet leaders’ high expectations of them. The school is a happy and safe place, full of smiles and warmth. Pupils and staff get on well together. The inclusive culture means that bullying does not often factor in school life. However, pupils do sometimes struggle to manage their behaviour. Staff address any poor behaviour or bullying incidents consistently and calmly. They work patiently to help pupils reflect on their actions and the impact they have on others. This helps pupils to manage their emotions and reduce their anxiety. Consequently, pupils reconnect with education and begin to find their place in the wider world. Leaders want pupils to achieve well academically. They know there is work to do so that the quality of education consistently matches the quality of pastoral care. Some curriculum thinking lacks detail, and staff’s subject expertise is not universally strong. Additionally, pupils do not get to experience and learn about a wide variety of workplaces.