Hope High School has a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere. Leaders, governors and staff are ambitious for every pupil. Pupils achieve well from different starting points. When pupils arrive at the school, many display challenging behaviours. Staff foster strong relationships with pupils. This enables pupils to improve their behaviour and build their self-esteem. Most pupils show positive attitudes to learning. They re-engage well with their education. The pupils that we spoke to said that they feel safe at the school. They feel valued and listened to. Bullying is rare. Pupils trust staff to sort out any issues quickly, should they arise. Pupils benefit from a wide range of activities which help them to develop their health and well-being, such as sports, trips and outdoor education. They are also involved in charity work and participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Pupils are well supported to develop their independence. Activities such as travel and shopping are carefully planned to help pupils to become more confident and ready for adult life. Parents and carers who spoke with inspectors are very pleased with the improvements that they can see in their children’s behaviour. A typical comment was, ‘My child has flourished and has become a rounded person.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? Leaders have planned a curriculum that is personalised to meet the individual needs of pupils. The curriculum provides many opportunities to enhance pupils’ emotional and social skills. Education, health and care (EHC) plans are used well to plan for pupils’ learning. Teachers know their pupils well and have high expectations of them. Pupils enjoy their learning and achieve well in a wide range of subjects, including English and mathematics.