Darwin School is a warm, welcoming place where staff and pupils build strong and positive relationships. Most pupils are new to the school. Staff care for pupils well, getting to know their needs quickly. Staff are highly vigilant, so when pupils have moments of deeper need, they are helped quickly and effectively. This means pupils settle well into school life, having not attended school for some time. The school develops pupils’ social skills well. Pupils quickly build the resilience to try new things and do work in lessons. The school has high aspirations for what pupils can achieve while in school, and pupils achieve well in their subjects. Pupils who have been at the school for a longer time take qualifications and succeed in them. Over a short period of time in school, pupils’ behaviour improves. They learn to be kind and considerate towards one another. They cook together and enjoy each other’s company. Pupils are clear that bullying is not tolerated in school. They feel that they can share any concerns. They feel cared for. The proprietor has not ensured that the independent school standards are met consistently. It has not had appropriate oversight of the school. Some systems and processes are not as effective as they need to be.