More House School, Farnham

What it's like to be a pupil at More House School

More House transforms pupils' lives and makes a significant contribution to pupils' positive attendance, behaviour and personal development. Many pupils arrive having faced disrupted education or significant barriers elsewhere, yet they quickly flourish in an environment where they are welcomed warmly and understood deeply. They throw themselves into the rich, ambitious curriculum and the impressive co‑curricular offer, which includes extensive clubs, events and trips. Every pupil in the lower years and many in the older years learn a musical instrument, many join the choir and all discover talents and interests they never imagined. As their specific needs are identified and supported exceptionally well, the barriers they once faced are reduced, and for many, removed entirely. Pupils enjoy learning. Many parents and carers agree that this school is transformational for their children. Teaching is of high quality. Teachers use specialist approaches that help pupils build secure, detailed knowledge across a wide range of subjects. A comprehensive programme of therapeutic support helps pupils develop confidence, independence and self‑belief. Sixth‑form students thrive, achieving highly and progressing to university and other ambitious destinations. Pupils are safe and develop a strong sense of belonging. They form excellent friendships, and any issues are resolved quickly and sensitively. Bullying is tackled well. One pupil captured the school's ethos perfectly when he said, 'Bullying usually happens in other schools because someone is different. Here, we're all different, so it's not a problem.' Pupils show deep respect for one another and know that trusted adults will always listen and act on their concerns. They learn how to keep themselves safe, including online. Pupils explore important themes such as healthy relationships, sex education and healthy living. They grow into thoughtful, confident young people who are proud to be part of the school community and ready to take on the world beyond More House School.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• Leaders should continue their work to refine the curriculum and its delivery, promoting the best possible outcomes for all pupils across all subjects.

More House School excels at making every child feel genuinely valued and understood. Staff use specialist training to identify each pupil's precise needs and remove barriers to learning, helping children who have struggled in the past to thrive with confidence. The school's transformational approach extends beyond academics - parents report remarkable changes in their children's wellbeing, self-esteem and resilience.

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, concerns are actively identified and managed, and pupils feel safe.

Edinburgh Fringe performances, chess club, drama club, leadership roles as prefects and club leaders, meaningful work experience partnerships with employers including banks, supermarket chains and Formula One team, sixth-form mentoring and refereeing fixtures

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