Pupils are happy and enjoy learning in this calm and caring environment. They feel safe and know they have trusted adults who will help them when needed. Pupils say, ‘we are encouraged to be amazing,’ which fits with the school’s motto of ‘Be your best self.’ There are high expectations for all pupils to achieve as well as they can. Pupils have high ambitions for themselves. This is evident in exam successes and pupils’ destinations when they leave the school. For example, some pupils choose to go on to employment or further education. However, teachers’ inconsistent use of checks to make sure pupils understand what they are learning means that pupils do not always learn and remember as well as they could. Pupils start preparing for adulthood as soon as they arrive. They recognise that the school helps them prepare well for their futures. Staff know all pupils’ needs well. Pupils respect adults and their peers. Most pupils behave well. Staff support pupils successfully to manage their own behaviours. Parents and carers cannot speak more highly of the care and attention their children receive. A comment, typical of many, is ‘Northgate is a superb school that genuinely brings out the best in children.’