Leaders understand pupils’ social, emotional and academic needs well. Staff build trusting relationships with the pupils and cater for their individual needs. Pupils say that staff are approachable and non-judgmental. They support and encourage them to try their best. As a result, pupils feel positive and re-engage in learning. The school’s work enables most key stage 3 pupils to return to mainstream education. Most older pupils continue onto post-16 education. Pupils feel safe and well cared for. They consider the school as family and they look out for each other. They behave sensibly, and bullying is rare. When an argument occurs, staff immediately intervene and restore calm. They follow up by helping pupils reflect on how to deal with situations in a more mature way in the future. Pupils enjoy going out on educational visits and the opportunities for playing sport. Leaders encourage pupils to give to the community. Pupils ran a coffee morning for the public to raise funds for charity, for instance. These activities make a positive contribution to pupils’ personal development. Parents told us that they are extremely positive about the school’s work. This is because they know that it improves their children’s life chances.