Saxon Mount School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since the school opened as an academy in 2014, the Torfield and Saxon Mount Academy Trust has rapidly improved all aspects of the school. The executive headteacher, ably supported by the head of school, has ensured that all staff share high expectations of what pupils can achieve in all aspects of their education. Leaders have carefully planned and developed an engaging curriculum that meets the specific educational needs of pupils.

Pupils' behaviour, both inside and outside of the school, is exemplary. Pupils display an enjoyment of learning and focus on doing their best. Leaders ensure that there are ample opportunities to develop pupils' spirit...ual, moral, social and cultural understanding.

As a result, pupils are prepared well for life in modern Britain. Pupils make sound progress across the curriculum. They make rapid progress in art, their social communication and behaviour management skills.

Disadvantaged pupils make similar and sometimes stronger progress than other pupils. This is because learning leaders swiftly identify when pupils are at risk of falling behind, and act accordingly. All staff promote the well-being, health and safety of pupils.

Pupils are very well cared for and safeguarding arrangements are highly effective. Trustees are uncompromising in their determination to ensure the very best education for pupils. They provide rigorous support and challenge to leaders and play a pivotal role in driving the school forward.

Impartial careers guidance and well-planned work-experience placements ensure that pupils are ready for the next stage of their education. Despite their range of needs, pupils attend school regularly and absence rates are well below those seen in special schools nationally. The quality of teaching across the curriculum is strong and continues to improve.

However, in some subjects teachers do not consistently challenge all pupils sufficiently. Highly trained staff provide effective support for pupils in all aspects of their learning. Conversely, the deployment of teaching assistants is not always as effective as it could be.

Leaders' well-intended plans to extend provision post-16 are in their infancy.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish.

In 2012, the school federated with Torfield Primary Special School. In 2014, both schools became part of the Torfield and Saxon Mount Academy Trust. The headteacher of Saxon Mount became the executive headteacher of both schools.

He is also the chief executive officer of the multi-academy trust. The school is registered for 125 pupils aged between 11 and 16. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan.

The majority of pupils have needs associated with autistic spectrum disorder. Many have additional difficulties relating to communication, social and mental health. A few have visual and physical needs.

The school does not make use of any alternative provision. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is higher than in other schools nationally. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. Almost three quarters of the pupils are male. A large number of pupils enter and leave the school at times other than the beginning of the school year.

The head of school was appointed to the school in September 2017. The school is accountable to a governing body composed of trustees, and an academy advisory board that supports their work. The school has established a partnership with the University of Brighton to provide for specialist postgraduate teacher training.

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