Source: City of Plymouth
Plymouth City Council is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of schools across the city in creating inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving environments for all pupils, including for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Ofsted reports from this academic year have praised many of the city’s schools for their commitment to inclusion, high expectations, and tailored support that enables every child to thrive.
Across Plymouth, schools are demonstrating a deep understanding of pupils’ individual needs. From early identification and bespoke interventions to inclusive classroom practices and strong pastoral care, the city’s education community is working hard to ensure that every child feels valued and supported. Ofsted reports describe schools where “pupils with SEND receive high-quality provision,” “learn with equal success,” and “are fully included in the life of the school.”
Inspectors highlighted the “exceptional support” provided to pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), noting that “staff skilfully reduce barriers so that pupils with SEND learn successfully” and that “pupils blossom academically, socially and emotionally.”
Inspectors also noted the positive culture within schools, where “pupils are polite, inclusive and kind,” and where “staff form positive relationships with pupils and their families.” This inclusive approach is helping to build communities where children feel they belong and are empowered to succeed.
Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our schools this year. These Ofsted comments reflect the dedication of our teachers, support staff and leaders who go above and beyond every day to ensure that all children, whatever their needs, are given the opportunity to achieve and thrive.
“We are working collectively with our schools and health, social care and education partners to make Plymouth a city where every child has a bright future and we can see that real improvements are being made.
“As we come to end of this school year, I’d like to say thank you to all of our school staff for their commitment and a big well done to all our children and young people for their hard work and brilliant achievements over the past year.”
Another standout theme in Ofsted reports this year is the culture of high expectations in schools across the city. In many cases, inspectors noted that staff are “aspirational and have high expectations for pupils, including those with SEND,” and that “exceptional aspiration for each pupil is at the heart of the curriculum.” This culture empowers pupils to engage fully in their learning, with schools praised for enabling children to “achieve socially, emotionally and academically”.
In addition to the many positive Ofsted reports, a number of schools have also been recently recognised in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Staff at three schools, Devonport High School for Boys, Ernesettle Community School and Tor Bridge Primary School, won prestigious Silver Awards and are now in with the chance of winning a Gold Award later this year.
Plymouth City Council’s own adult education provider, On Course South West, also won a Silver Award for the Your Future programme which supports young people with SEND into further education or employment opportunities.
Two schools, Millbay Academy and Mount Street Primary, also became the first in the city to gain national ‘School of Sanctuary’ accreditation, which recognises their efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive culture for children from families seeking asylum and refuge in Plymouth.