Pupils feel safe and well cared for in school. Most have experienced disruption to their learning in the past. Some have missed considerable periods of their education altogether. The school helps pupils to put these difficulties behind them. Once they join the school, they settle in quickly and make friends. The positive encouragement that they receive from staff helps pupils to feel at home and to re-engage with learning. Pupils know that staff expect them to work hard and to achieve well. Pupils typically rise to this challenge. In lessons, pupils commit to their learning. For example, they concentrate on the work that they have to complete. They seek help if they do not understand something. Pupils achieve relevant qualifications that support their future aspirations. This includes achievement at GCSE level, where appropriate, in a range of subjects. Pupils generally behave well in school. They learn to manage their emotions. This helps them to make positive choices about how to behave. Pupils are provided with a range of enrichment opportunities. For example, they attend theatre performances and participate in sports, such as kayaking and horse riding. Pupils especially enjoy caring for the school’s hens, guinea pigs and pet gerbil. These experiences contribute effectively to pupils’ personal development.