The school has high expectations of all pupils. Staff have a good understanding of each pupil and their individual social and emotional needs. This means that pupils feel ready to have a go and begin their learning journey. However, the quality of education that pupils receive is variable across the school. This is because the school has not finalised its curriculum thinking in some subjects. Coupled with this, the school does not have a consistent system in place to check the quality of the delivery of the curriculum. This limits the academic success of some pupils. Pupils benefit from highly positive relationships with staff, consistent routines and praise. They understand what the school expects from them. This helps them to feel safe, secure and to thrive. The atmosphere around the school is calm. Pupils are routinely supported to understand their emotions. They demonstrate positive behaviour in class and around the school. In terms of developing pupils’ confidence, attending this school is life changing. Pupils take part in activities such as sports day, the colour run and animal take-over day. Many pupils said they had never been trusted to do simple and common events in a school setting before arriving at Cumberland School. For many pupils, the school gives them the self-belief to try again, to re-engage in learning and to aspire to college or employment beyond the school.