Staff know pupils well. Strong and positive relationships are evident across the school. Staff effectively support pupils’ physical and mental well-being. This is particularly true for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and for pupils with more complex SEND who attend the Nest. The school has high aspirations for all pupils. However, pupils’ achievement is variable. This is particularly true for older pupils. Some of these pupils are not as well prepared as they need to be for secondary education. They have not developed the fluency that they will need in reading, writing and mathematics. Most pupils enjoy school. They strive to follow the school’s values. The majority of pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning. They get on well with each other, including at social times. Pupils are keen to earn the many ‘ALIVE’ rewards on offer for trying their best and being kind to others. Staff deal with infrequent incidents of poorer behaviour well. Pupils are eager to learn about the world beyond the school gates. The school ensures that pupils are well informed about how to stay safe, including in their local community. Pupils enjoy school trips. These include singing at the cathedral and in nearby care homes.