Pupils are valued as individuals. Staff encourage them to aim high. By the time they leave, pupils gain a good grounding in English, mathematics, science and vocational subjects. This helps them to succeed in their next steps. However, their knowledge in some academic subjects, such as history and geography, is not as well developed. Staff are attuned to the specific learning needs of each pupil. They go the ‘extra mile’ to meet these needs. One parent echoed the views of many, commenting, ‘I feel like since my child has gone to Mo Mowlam, he has come on leaps and bounds.’ Pupils are safe in school. They feel secure around the school site. The atmosphere in school is generally positive. The effective careers programme enables pupils to gradually build confidence. For example, pupils make several visits to colleges in the local area. Younger pupils benefit from the individual support they receive, which includes working with staff in the ‘sensory room’. There is little bullying in school. Staff are alert to how pupils relate to each other. They are on hand to assist pupils if they are struggling to socialise positively. Sometimes, pupils are intimidated by the language used by other pupils.