Brandles School

Overview

Brandles School is a special academy for boys with social, emotional and mental health needs, judged as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. The report highlights a nurturing environment where staff provide bespoke support to help pupils re-engage with learning and manage their emotions. Leaders have designed a curriculum that balances academic progress with personal development, preparing pupils effectively for their next stages in education.

Strengths

• Staff create a ‘warm welcome’ and use ‘calm voices and gentle persuasion’ to support pupils’ welfare and behaviour.
• The curriculum is ‘bespoke to meet pupils’ academic and personal needs’, including targeted therapies for those who take longer to settle.
• Pupils enjoy ‘hands-on learning’ opportunities, such as bushcraft, horticulture, and adventurous activities like kayaking, which build confidence and resilience.
• Reading is prioritised with ‘phonics training’ for staff, fostering a ‘love for books’ and ensuring pupils can access the curriculum.
• There is a ‘well-structured programme of careers advice’ and opportunities for pupils to develop character through community involvement and sports.

Areas to improve

• In ‘a few subjects’, curriculum plans lack the precision needed to help pupils ‘progress as well as they should’ to harder work.
• ‘Too many pupils do not attend school regularly’, missing important learning; the school must continue working with families to overcome attendance barriers.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.