Pupils are clear that they are happy at The Ridge Academy. They trust adults and are confident they will be kept safe. Pupils feel cared for, especially in moments of stress, when they demonstrate anxious behaviours. They say adults are supportive during these times and do all they can to help them. Pupils show a good understanding of the difference between right and wrong. Therefore, they are typically respectful, well mannered and polite. Pupils enjoy school, but this is not always reflected in their attendance. Some pupils do not attend regularly enough. As a result, they do not build the knowledge they need to achieve well. Pupils understand the importance of their education. However, leaders recognise that there is a lot more work to do with the curriculum to ensure that pupils achieve as well as they can. Pupils are eager to be involved with the wider responsibilities the school offers. These include the school council election process and the need to write manifestos to support their bid. Pupils appreciate the opportunities they have to make decisions, such as increasing the range of books for the school shop. These and other responsibilities help to develop pupils’ social skills.