Ofsted has also now passed Newbury Independent School on all standards needed for UK Independent schools after previously falling behind.
An inspection team praised the school’s leaders’ ‘heartfelt commitment to care and aspiration’ in its latest report, carried out last month.
Led by headteacher Enamul Hoque, a transformational leadership style has shaped a new positive approach across all aspects of its day-to-day operations.
All pupils attending the school have a range of social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. Most have been excluded from or were at substantial risk of being excluded from previous schools.
The report, from Lead Inspector Chris Pollitt with Inspector Tracey O’Keeffe-Pullan, begins: “At Newbury, a fresh start is more than mere words, it is a heartfelt pledge. Underpinned by a shared commitment to care and aspiration, inspirational leaders and staff drive improvements.
“Despite their challenges, pupils benefit from a positive school culture where they show respectful behaviour, engage well, and respond positively to staff.”
Headteacher Mr Hoque arrived in May last year and immediately introduced a range of measures which saw the school’s standard of education improve.
Now he says he’s particularly encouraged to have won the trust of parents, who spoke to inspectors, describing him as a ‘superhead,’ as well as pupils.
He added: “Working with stakeholders such as the local authority, local academies, social care services and local enterprise has helped to attract new students who feel safe and secure at the school.”
The report continues: “Staff use thoughtful and caring approaches to help pupils feel safe, understood, and supported.
“At Newbury, pupils get a fresh start in their education from caring and supportive staff. Staff are calm and eager to develop strong, secure relationships. "
Inspectors admired proprietor Anthony Walters’ vision and its positive effect.
They said: “The proprietor’s vision to support the whole family has strengthened behaviour management by building trust between staff, pupils, and families. Attendance and engagement are improving rapidly, with pupils attending more than ever. Staff work closely with pupils and families to address barriers, fostering a culture of high expectations.
“They participate in activities that encourage teamwork and resilience.”
On the evolving Newbury School team, the report says: “Since the last standard inspection, the school’s leadership has changed considerably. Newly appointed leaders have brought a drive and enthusiasm for learning and meeting the additional needs of pupils.
Chair of Governors’ Samantha Wilkins’ team of governors was also praised.
“An experienced and knowledgeable governing body has been established, providing high-quality support and challenge for the school’s work. All are focused on continual improvement and making the necessary changes to improve the experiences and outcomes for pupils.
“The proprietor has ensured that all the independent school standards are met. The proprietor and school leaders have robust systems to ensure these standards do not drop.
“From the moment pupils start school, the caring and attentive staff, including their families, get to know them well. ‘Newbury Team Around the Child’ meetings review carefully how well pupils are doing and identify changes needed in the school’s provision.
“One parent, whose view represents the views of others, said that the school has provided the ‘best support for their child’ and that this is ‘the first time they felt settled at a school.’
“Across all subjects, the school has set strong expectations for what pupils should learn and when. Its curriculum is designed to build pupils’ knowledge over time, providing access and links to carefully considered resources and advice for teachers.
While the latest report brings overall positive news and pride for the school, there are ‘areas for improvement’ identified.
These were ensuring all children could catch up with gaps in their learning and that their knowledge in art and humanities is well developed. A more structured approach for teaching phonics and reading is needed.
Mr Hoque said: “These are fair observations amid an on-going effort towards wholly positive Ofsted feedback. Rome wasn’t built in a day. We will continue, as other schools do, to aim higher.
“You have to remember that this time last year not only was our school ruled as ‘inadequate, but we were also identified as not meeting the standards laid out for independent schools. We cannot stress enough how far we have come within those 12 months.”