Pupils are immensely proud of their school. They feel valued and accepted for who they are in this highly nurturing place. Pupils settle quickly into school life because adults take the time to know their individual special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff go the extra mile to ensure that pupils make excellent progress academically, socially and emotionally. This includes the high proportion of disadvantaged pupils. There is an inherent culture of high expectations. Consequently, pupils achieve highly from their individual starting points. Pupils feel safe and are extremely well cared for. They rarely fall out and make strong, lasting friendships. This is because adults expertly help pupils to understand each other’s points of view through the ‘mend it’ conversations. Older students are supported to become increasingly independent as they start to prepare for adult life. For example, by learning to manage money, running the ‘Life Skills Cafe’ and travelling on public transport. Pupils thoroughly enjoy participating in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Pupils heartily participate in the myriad of ‘star time’ activities, which encourage them to pursue their interests. They discover new hobbies, such as gardening, computing, chess and drama. Visits to The City Farm, The Oxford Botanic Garden and The Story Museum enrich pupils’ social and cultural experiences.