Pierview Academy is life-changing. A commitment to ‘empowering success through holistic and individualised learning’ sits at its heart. Pupils join with little belief that it is going to be any different from the negative experiences before. However, they learn to enjoy school once again. This sentiment was captured well by pupils who said they ‘feel like their needs are always met’ and ‘even when they cannot express how they feel, staff know how to help’. Staff have high expectations for what pupils can achieve. Pupils benefit from a goodquality education. Students in the sixth form benefit from an exceptionally welldesigned curriculum. Expert careers advice sets students on a path for future success. Small-group and individual teaching make this possible. Pupils feel happy and safe here. As a result, their behaviour and attitudes are exemplary. An extensive programme of trips and visits means that there is never a dull moment. ‘The lodge’, the school’s outdoor learning provision, provides exceptional opportunities. Pupils learn to swim in the outdoor pool. They help to build new areas, for example the outdoor classroom. Pupils enjoy caring for the animals. These opportunities help pupils to develop their social skills and independence exceptionally well.