Pupils are put at the heart of all decision-making at Mayfield school. Leaders and staff are determined that pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will not be a barrier to pupils’ achievements. However, the school’s strategies and processes are not consistently implemented by all staff and this means that the school’s ambitions are not always met. Pupils are encouraged to be themselves and staff take a great deal of time and care to get to know pupils well. They quickly identify the things that pupils do well and find out what motivates them. This helps most pupils get the best of their time in school. There is a clear focus on making sure that pupils are well prepared for their next steps. The daily breakfast club for all pupils is focused on promoting pupils’ independence and communication skills. An extensive range of lunchtime clubs allow pupils to develop art, music and sporting interests. Many pupils participate in the school’s well-established Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. In the sixth form, pupils are encouraged to take on positions of responsibility, including supporting younger pupils.