The Pioneer School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The quality of education for pupils with profound and multiple special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is excellent. Pupils thrive in this high-quality learning environment. The principal, leaders and governors have created a culture where only the best will do.

Their determination has ensured that the quality of provision in all areas is outstanding. Pupils make substantial progress, personally and academically, across the full curriculum during their time at the school. This is because of the high-quality teaching they receive.

Leaders and staff have a relentless focus on equipping pupils with the necessary independ...ent skills for life. Pupils enjoy their learning a great deal. They are very settled in a consistent and high-quality learning environment.

Pupils benefit from exceptional opportunities and experiences for their personal development. Leaders use their school assessment systems consistently and very effectively. Pupils' education, health and care (EHC) plans, individual plans and further targets are highly individualised and exceptionally well monitored to ensure that pupils make the best progress possible.

Pupils make remarkable progress in communication, reading, writing and mathematics. Pupils join in lessons with enthusiasm; lessons proceed easily and well. Leaders have ensured that pupils have a wealth of high-quality opportunities to develop their physical education and other activities to promote their independent skills.

These activities are central to the curriculum. Pupils are very proud of their contribution to wider society. Many pupils participate in the choir and help raise additional funds for charities.

The quality of education in the sixth form is excellent. Students continue to make substantial progress in English and mathematics. They have increasingly meaningful opportunities for work placements to help build confidence and independence.

Children make exceptional progress in Nursery and Reception. Their needs are precisely met; they are safe and exceptionally well cared for. Parents and carers are hugely appreciative of the school's work.

Many parents feel that the school has transformed the lives of their children and the wider family.

Information about this school

Pioneer School is a large special school for pupils with profound, severe and complex learning difficulties. A large proportion have autism spectrum disorder.

All pupils have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. The local authority refers pupils to the school. Many pupils have complex health needs that require long periods in hospitals.

The school converted to Academies Enterprise Trust (AET) in June 2012. The principal commenced her leadership post in 2016. Governance at school level is through local governing boards.

The board is led by an experienced education professional. The Pioneer School has a joint local governing board with another special school within the trust. The board of trustees are responsible for setting and monitoring strategic objectives.

Approximately two thirds of pupils are boys. A large majority of pupils are of White British origin. The proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding is above the national average at 34%.

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