Newfriars College

Overview

Newfriars College is an independent specialist provider for young people with moderate to complex learning difficulties, judged as ‘Good’ overall. The report highlights ‘Outstanding’ behaviour and attitudes, alongside ‘Outstanding’ personal development, driven by an ‘aspirational curriculum’ and ‘inspirational leadership’. However, inconsistencies in teaching challenge and assessment mean some students do not yet make the progress of which they are capable.

Strengths

• Students ‘enjoy learning’ and develop ‘high levels of confidence and resilience’ that prepare them well for independence and employment.
• ‘Behaviour and attitudes’ are ‘Outstanding’, with students conducting themselves ‘extremely well’ and showing ‘pride in their achievements’.
• Leaders have established strong community links, providing ‘industry-standard placements’ and ‘real work experiences’ that support successful transitions to adulthood.
• The ‘personal development curriculum’ is ‘highly effective’, offering a ‘wide range of enrichment opportunities’ that build social and employability skills.
• Staff work with ‘energy and commitment’, creating a ‘positive climate’ where students feel safe and respected.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure teachers plan and sequence the curriculum to develop skills relevant to students’ EHCPs, addressing instances where ‘teaching and learning do not provide students with sufficient challenge’.
• Assessment processes must be applied consistently across all pathways to monitor progress closely and identify students at risk of falling behind.
• Leaders must ensure all students have access to necessary therapies and assistive technologies, as currently ‘too few students benefit from regular therapeutic input’.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with a strong culture of protection, although leaders must ensure all identified students have personal emergency evacuation plans.