Samuel Pepys School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Leaders continually focus on adapting and improving the provision so that they can better meet pupils' often complex needs. Any improvements are quickly identified and addressed.

Teaching, learning and assessment are outstanding. Teachers' high expectations enable pupils to flourish. Outstanding leadership focuses on developing staff at all levels, so they progress.

Some senior leaders started as teaching assistants. Children in the early years make significant gains across all areas. Staff have a deep understanding of their needs.

Parents and carers are fully involved in their children's development. They are universally... positive. All would recommend the school to other parents.

Staff are determined to improve pupils' lives. They are patient, sensitive and understanding of pupils' requirements. Pupils feel safe, happy and well cared for.

It is easy to see why. Leaders know communication skills are pivotal in pupils' development. Staff are trained in a range of techniques to help pupils progress.

Governors play a full and active part in the life of the school. They have been a driving force on the school's journey to outstanding. Pupils' strengths, needs and outcomes are clear in their education, health and care (EHC) plans.

They reflect the most urgent priorities. Leaders and governors adapt the curriculum to focus on concepts and functional learning that help pupils to develop useful skills for life. The achievement of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is maximised through staff's high expectations.

Sixth-form students are prepared effectively for the next stage of their lives. All students in the past three years have progressed to education or training. Pupils develop exceptionally well socially, emotionally, physically and academically through judicious therapeutic interventions.

Pupils are a credit to the school. They are welcoming, polite and keen to learn. Teachers plan exciting activities, focusing on EHC plan targets, which enable pupils to make outstanding progress from their starting points.

Information about this school

Samuel Pepys School caters for pupils with SEND. These range from moderate learning difficulties to profound and multiple learning difficulties. Pupils often have significant communication difficulties, some have autism spectrum conditions, and a number have severe physical disabilities.

All the pupils have an EHC plan. The school runs an off-site unit for sixth-form students at Ernulf Academy. The school does not use any alternative provision.

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