Pupils feel safe and secure at school. They know that staff are on their side and will support them kindly and sensitively. The school is highly successful at integrating pupils, not only back into education, but into the school community. Many pupils had a negative view of education prior to joining City of Rochester School. They speak very positively about their school, and how it has supported them to develop an optimistic view of education. Over time, pupils learn to value themselves and others. Older pupils and students in the sixth form say that the school has transformed their lives. The school has designed its educational offer very carefully to ensure that pupils achieve well academically and incorporate experiential and vocational learning that feels relevant and engaging to pupils. The school’s strong curriculum offer supports work to improve pupils’ attendance, many of whom have in the past been reluctant to attend school. Pupils told inspectors that they now want to come to school. Pupils benefit from the positive and respectful environment that staff create. Pupils learn to behave well and to be respectful of others. At all times, the school is alert to what captures an individual pupil’s attention and interest. The school uses a range of specialist providers to enable pupils to pursue these. For some older students, this support and provision has been a stepping stone to a positive next step. For example, several pupils have had riding lessons and undertaken qualifications in horse knowledge and care before successfully moving on to an apprenticeship in a riding stable.