Westfield Arts College is a large special school which provides education for pupils and students who have moderate and complex learning difficulties. Governors and college leaders believe that the needs of learners admitted to the college are becoming more complex as each year goes by. For example, the number of pupils attending the school who have an autistic spectrum disorder has increased sharply in the last few years. The college’s 173 pupils are organised into 18 classes, mostly in Key Stages 2, 3 and 4. School leaders have taken the decision to include the very small number of Key Stage 1 pupils in Key Stage 2 classes. At the time of the inspection there were no children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The eight students on roll in the sixth form follow personalised learning programmes; during the week they have timetabled activities on site and in the wider community. The overwhelming majority of pupils are of White British origin. A high proportion of pupils are eligible for free school meals. The college was granted specialist status for Arts in 2010, having previously gained specialist status in technology.