The headteacher expects all pupils to work hard and learn. He is passionate about building pupils’ knowledge at the same time as building their self-esteem. Pupils feel respected and valued. Many pupils have experienced emotional distress in the past and lack confidence. Some pupils take a long time to settle when they join the school. A minority can become anxious or agitated. This sometimes leads to incidents of poor behaviour. However, the great majority of pupils behave well. Teachers are calm and patient. Senior leaders do not accept bullying. A small number of pupils were recently trained as anti-bullying ambassadors. They were very proud to represent their school at the training event. They help other pupils at school to talk about their feelings and so better understand their emotions. Pupils appreciate the faith that staff place in them. For example, staff show pupils how to use cutting tools at the forest school and then trust them to use these tools safely. Pupils are well supervised and feel safe.