St Hugh’s Special School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Outcome

St Hugh's Special School continues to be an outstanding school.

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are extremely happy to attend this remarkable school. Staff ensure that pupils are supported, encouraged and cared for at all times. The school's values of being 'resilient, respectful, aspirational and kind' underpin all aspects of its work.

Pupils embody these values each day. They are guided to develop their independence progressively. As a result of the personalised support they receive, pupils are exceptionally well prepared for their next steps.

This is a calm, orderly and happy school. Staff go above and beyond to help each pupil. Pupils support each other a...nd praise their friends for the achievements they make.

Over time, pupils are increasingly able to self-regulate their feelings and behaviour. Pupils are confident that staff will act quickly to address any concerns they have.

The school supports each pupil in developing a broader understanding of themselves and the wider world in remarkable ways.

Pupils show pride in representing their peers through the school council. Some enjoyed a recent trip to the Houses of Parliament, where they navigated the Underground and trains, describing Big Ben as 'amazing'. This is just one of many experiences that broaden pupils' horizons, enhance their confidence and equip them with valuable life skills for the future.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have initiated transformational changes to ensure that pupils benefit from a continually improving quality of education. Staff enthusiastically embrace these changes, recognising their role in achieving them. All staff share a unified vision: to provide an exceptional experience for every pupil, a vision that is fully realised.

The curriculum has been significantly revised to ensure that each pupil can develop and excel in their chosen path. Planning for each subject is ambitious, creative and thoughtful. Staff meticulously outline the essential knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn in manageable steps.

At the same time, they consider how this will build pupils' character and emotional development. Every opportunity is taken to help pupils meet the targets on their education, health and care plans.

Teaching staff know the challenges faced by pupils and their families, adapting their approach to meet each pupil's unique needs.

The school carefully checks how well each pupil is making progress, adjusting teaching and support as needed. As a result, the great majority of pupils meet their targets and are ready for their next steps.

Every pupil's voice is valued, and their needs are comprehensively understood and met through tailored adaptations and interventions.

Some pupils use assistive technology, while others are helped to communicate through signs and symbols. Pupils who are at the early stages of learning to read are guided by well-trained staff to learn their letters and corresponding sounds. These efforts ensure that all pupils can actively engage and contribute meaningfully to the school community.

Pupils understand that some of their friends may struggle with their emotions. Peer mentors offer support to other pupils during lessons and times of crisis. Older pupils help younger ones to settle into school life.

There is a real sense of family here. Due to careful interventions and personalised plans, behaviour incidents are rare. Leaders rigorously evaluate and adjust support strategies as needed, ensuring a supportive culture where every pupil can thrive.

The school has an unwavering commitment to preparing pupils for their future success. A comprehensive careers programme enriches classroom learning by showcasing diverse career paths. Year 10 pupils particularly enjoy their work experience days.

Transitions are carefully planned, and even those who were initially anxious about leaving for college are now quietly confident about taking those next steps. This is testament to the exceptional support they have received throughout their time at school.

Staff are well supported, trusted and valued by leaders.

Embodying the school's values, they have empowered staff with a strong belief in their impact on pupils. Staff know that leaders prioritise their well-being and have their best interests at heart. Governors act as 'critical friends', ensuring that this supportive environment is maintained.

Together with guidance from the local authority, this collective commitment has transformed the school into a place where pupils thrive and make significant progress – both academically and personally.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Background

When we have judged a school to be outstanding, we will then normally go into the school about once every four years to confirm that the school remains outstanding.

This is called an ungraded inspection, and it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. We do not give graded judgements on an ungraded inspection. However, if we find evidence that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, then the next inspection will be a graded inspection, which is carried out under section 5 of the Act.

Usually this is within one to two years of the date of the ungraded inspection. If we have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education, we will deem the ungraded inspection a graded inspection immediately.

This is the second ungraded inspection since we judged the school to be outstanding in September 2013.