Newbury Manor School in Frome, Somerset has been praised for its "outstanding" sixth form by the independent education watchdog. The specialist school caters for around 30 young people who have autistic spectrum disorders.
Its sixth form was singled out for its broad curriculum and for providing pupils with the opportunity to study a wide variety of courses. Inspectors highlighted the fact that the sixth form offers “effective and independent careers advice” which provided support for the pupils’ transition into adulthood.
They added that "teachers have high expectations, and this helps pupils enjoy their learning". The Ofsted report also praises "effective communication, which is at the heart of successful teaching".
Overall, Ofsted ranked the school "good", and it was praised for having "strong collaboration between education and care", offering "individualised and carefully targeted support". Teachers were praised for "promoting pupils' good spiritual, moral, social and cultural development".
Pupils’ personal development was also praised highly: "Pupils develop good levels of self-confidence and self-awareness during their time at the school…their enthusiasm for learning is remarkable."
The school’s provision for residential pupils was also highlighted.
"A strength of the residential provision is the commitment and enthusiasm of all staff. They place the well-being of children and young people at the centre of their practice. Staff are imaginative in finding ways to support children and young people with autism and learning disabilities to enable them to be successful."
Newbury Manor School is a day and residential school. It provides education for 7 to 19-year-olds.
Welcoming the Ofsted report, the school principal said: "The school has been on a significant journey of growth and development in recent years and it is fantastic for everyone in our community to see their hard work and determination rewarded with such a positive report from Ofsted."
He added: "the report ratifies our view that we are making a significant and positive impact on the lives of the young people we support. Our nurturing, personalised approach creates a culture of success that enables all pupils to thrive."
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