White Spire School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school This is an outstanding school. Leaders and governors are uncompromising in their drive to deliver the very best education for all pupils. They have a clear vision for the continuing improvement of the school.

Governors provide excellent support and challenge to senior leaders. They are highly analytical and ensure that there is a clear, strategic direction for the school. The social and personal development of pupils is exceptional.

Pupils are very well cared for. There is a sharp focus on improving pupils' lives and aspirations. Many parents said that their child has been 'transformed' since attending this school.

Pupils...' self-esteem and confidence improve rapidly. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is highly effective. The well-planned curriculum provides many opportunities for pupils to develop their skills in reading, writing and mathematics.

Pupils also develop skills in subjects such as enterprise and employability. Relationships between staff and pupils are excellent. Behaviour across the school is exemplary.

New pupils quickly learn to adopt the 'White Spire way'. Teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. Teachers assess pupils' starting points precisely.

Lessons are planned meticulously to ensure that pupils have exactly the right level of work. Staff set ambitious targets to ensure that every pupil makes exceptional progress. Pupils leave school with a range of nationally recognised qualifications.

Post-16 students make excellent progress. They receive first-rate careers advice and guidance. In the last two years, all students have moved from post-16 into further education, employment or training.

The school works with some other schools locally but this is relatively limited and does not enable the school to plan fully so as to meet emerging requirements in the area even better.

Information about this school

White Spire School provides education for pupils with moderate learning difficulties. However, an increasing percentage of pupils have additional needs associated with: autism spectrum disorder; speech, language and communication needs; or sensory and/or physical needs.

All pupils who attend the school have an education, health and care plan. Around half of the pupils meet the criteria for pupil premium as a result of being looked after or eligible for free school meals. This is above the national average.

The school works in partnership with a range of external agencies, including speech and language therapists, health and social care professionals and paediatricians. Since the school's last inspection, in 2014, pupils are now admitted into Year 1. The school does not place any pupils in alternative provision.

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