This school is a welcoming, joyful place where pupils flourish. They are cared for by staff who know and respond to pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) well. This helps pupils, and students in the sixth form, to feel understood, nurtured and safe. The school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils are eager learners who rise to meet these expectations. Typically, pupils achieve well from their different starting points. For many, this includes developing the independence that they need to successfully move on to employment or further education. Pupils benefit from skilful support to regulate their emotions. This enables pupils to learn in a calm environment. Most pupils demonstrate respect for each other and for adults. Staff manage any incidents of challenging behaviour effectively. They are quick to act when pupils experience distress. This helps pupils to return to their learning as soon as they can. Pupils enjoy many enriching activities at school. For instance, they relish performing in the Christmas production. Others look forward to participating in residential trips. Students in the sixth form embrace responsibilities such as running the tuck shop and mentoring younger pupils. These experiences further develop their independence in readiness for leaving school.