Pupils have often missed considerable parts of their education before joining the school. As a result, they have significant gaps in their knowledge on arrival. However, until recently the school has not ensured that these gaps are closed effectively. Consequently, pupils do not build their knowledge and skills on strong foundations. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning when work is matched well to their starting points. However, staff do not always have the expertise they need to implement the curriculum or adapt it to meet pupils’ needs. Some pupils’ learning is hampered by their poor attendance. The school has raised its expectations of pupils’ behaviour. It has started to develop pupils’ understanding of diversity and of challenging stereotypes, for example. However, the ‘Valley Bridge values’ are not well understood by pupils. On some occasions, pupils do not respond to staff with appropriate respect. The school has started to provide pupils with wider opportunities beyond their academic programme. For example, pupils take part in ‘Valley Meets’ at lunchtimes. They participate in sports, such as basketball and football, play board games, or enjoy arts and crafts.