The Ridgeway School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Inspirational leadership and management by the headteacher, ably supported by senior leaders, staff and the governing body, have resulted in a calm and nurturing environment in which all pupils thrive. Pupils across the school achieve exceptionally well.

All groups, including those with additional special needs, make outstanding progress in communication and language and in their personal development. Achievement of students in the sixth form is outstanding as shown by their high quality accreditation which prepares them very well for their futures. The youngest pupils in the Early Years Foundation Stage get off to a very good start as the...y share their education with children in a local mainstream school.

The majority of pupils exceed expectations as a result of outstanding teaching and support brought about by rigorous monitoring. The quality of care and support provided for pupils with profound and multiple difficulties, autism spectrum disorders or behavioural difficulties is exceptional, enabling them to take part fully in learning. Outstanding behaviour across the school and in the playground is a result of the very high quality behaviour management systems that are consistently applied.

Pupils say they feel safe and their parents agree. High quality support and very efficient planning by the governing body mean money is spent very well for the benefit of all groups of pupils, including those who are known to be eligible for the pupil premium. Very effective personal training opportunities for staff mean there is a strong focus on managing and improving their performance.

Information about this school

This is a school for pupils with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties. A small proportion has additional autism spectrum disorders and/or challenging behavioural difficulties. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs or are in the process of receiving one.

A few pupils are in the care of the local authority. The vast majority of pupils are White British and none speaks English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium (additional funding for those known to be eligible for free school meals, those looked after by the local authority and those from service families) is average.

The school is based on three different sites. There is a purpose-built nursery, based on a local primary school campus which is jointly managed by both schools and which provides inclusive education for three-year-olds. Ridgeway children spend part of each week at this nursery.

There is Early Years Foundation Stage provision at the main site for children in the Reception class. There is accommodation at the local Farnham College for those sixth form students who have the level of independence required to access it. Other sixth formers have their own accommodation at the main site.