Philpots Manor School, West Hoathly

What it's like to be a pupil at Philpots Manor School

This is a deeply caring and nurturing school with high ambitions for all. Leaders and the proprietor show relentless determination to help pupils to overcome barriers and have their chance to shine. Pupils here know that they are unique, valued and special. The school ensures excellent support for pupils to enable everyone to make progress and achieve well. All pupils have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). The school ensures that pupils' provision is precisely matched to their needs. As a result, they develop a strong sense of belonging and learn to flourish academically, socially and emotionally. Pupils go on to access a range of academic and vocational qualifications that help them access further education with increased skills, knowledge and confidence. Behaviour is impressive. When pupils struggle with their feelings, expert staff provide strong support underpinned with compassion, forgiveness and high aspirations. Pupils are not worried about bullying because they know that leaders take concerns seriously and address problems swiftly. These high expectations also extend to attendance. The tireless efforts of leaders, teachers and support staff helps pupils to overcome a range of obstacles to attendance. Many pupils have missed extended periods of schooling before joining here. Now, they attend highly, because leaders have achieved rapid success to reduce absences. One parent represented others when saying that the school 'has changed my son's life, and therefore all our lives'. Personal development and wellbeing are excellent. Pastoral care is built on compassion and expertise, and leaders' work to prepare pupils for later life is highly effective. Staff tailor provision skilfully to constantly adapt to the emotional needs of pupils. Pupils learn to cook, plan budgets, use public transport, care for animals and develop vocational skills such as bricklaying. Pupils enjoy working with the horses in the yard and canoeing across the local reservoir.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• Leaders should maintain their focus on improving pupils' writing to help all pupils to produce high-quality writing across the curriculum.

Philpots Manor is a beacon of compassion and high aspiration. The school specialises in welcoming pupils who have experienced trauma, exclusion or disrupted education, and transforms their engagement with learning through expert, consistent support and a deeply nurturing environment. Parents consistently report that the school has changed their child's life, helping them move from being lost to education to becoming confident, supported and ready to thrive.

Safeguarding standards are met - the school has created an open and positive culture of safeguarding where all legal requirements are met, concerns are actively identified and managed, and pupils feel safe.

Cookery, bricklaying, outdoor education, orienteering, equine care, art and design, vocational pathways, environmental projects, volunteering

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