Leading Liverpool specialist school celebrates ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted judgement

Abbot’s Lea School, Woolton, is proud to have been judged as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) in its most recent inspection.

The specialist school, which delivers high-quality specialist holistic education for students aged three to 19 living with autism and other complex needs, was rated as outstanding for its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, early years provision, sixth form provision and good in leadership and management.

The most recent inspection took place on 10 and 11 July 2024, and the accompanying report was full of admiration for the school, commending its high ambition, robust planning, delivery and quality assurance and the remarkable transformation and drive for positive change by the school’s leadership team.

The report highlighted how the school has high expectations for each student’s academic progress and personal development, commending children and young people for their eagerness to meet those expectations.

It stated: “The school works tirelessly to ensure that any barriers to learning are overcome. This enables pupils to achieve exceptionally well.”

Inspectors said: “Pupils, from the early years through to the sixth form, follow an ambitious and highly effective curriculum. Staff know what to teach, when to teach it and why. They tailor learning for each pupil. This attention to detail shines through. Pupils benefit greatly from this and, as a result, achieve remarkably well.

“Pupils’ learning in all subjects links to the outside world. This helps to prepare pupils for adulthood.”

The school’s bespoke personal development programme was highly regarded, as it is intertwined into different aspects of school life, with children learning about different types of friendships, families and relationships.

The report said: “There is a clear focus on celebrating difference, tolerance, respect and diversity across the school. Pupils have a broad understanding of the differences between people.”

Ofsted recognised how the school’s attendance rates are continually improving, and that staff are persistent and proactive in this particular area.

It detailed: “The school is unrelenting in its approach to improving pupils’ rates of attendance. The school’s supportive actions have led to great success in improving many pupils’ rates of attendance.”

Ofsted praised the way Abbot’s Lea School enhances pupils’ communication skills.

It noted: “Staff work closely with families and speech and language therapists to understand pupils’ communication needs. The school works exceptionally well with pupils who do not communicate verbally. It establishes effective communication systems to help pupils’ needs and wishes be heard.”

The school’s governing body was also acknowledged and admired for offering “high levels of support and challenge to the school”. Ofsted emphasised how this leads to an “exemplary educational provision for pupils”.

Headteacher of Abbot’s Lea School, Mrs Ania Hildrey, said: “I know I speak on behalf of the entire school community when I say that we are absolutely delighted with the results of our recent Ofsted inspection. It is not only a reflection of the incredible dedication and hard work of our entire staff but also a celebration of the progress and achievements of our students and the trust placed in our school by their families.

“This result is particularly pleasing considering our previous inspection in 2021, the outcome of which required the school to improve its overall effectiveness, and specifically its leadership and management, with a focus on improving communication and staff relations. This journey has not always been easy and so it is wonderful to have our progress recognised by the inspectors.”

Mrs Hildrey added: “At Abbot’s Lea School, we strive to create a nurturing, ambitious, and inclusive environment where every student, regardless of their special educational needs, is given the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

“Our school is a place where we want every student to feel that they belong and, whilst it is not an easy aspiration, Ofsted recognised that students feel safe here, are respectful to one another and that the school staff act as role models and mentors on that learning journey. This recognition by Ofsted highlights our relentless commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring that every young person has the chance to succeed and reach their full potential.

“I am incredibly proud of the journey we have been on since our last inspection and the significant progress we have made in every aspect of our school’s effectiveness.

“This achievement is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our entire school community – from our leadership team, the multi-disciplinary staff team of teachers and support staff, students, and their families, as well as our governing body. ‘Outstanding’ provision is not just a one-word judgment – as we know, that doesn’t begin to capture the complexity of school life – but we are proud of this recognition and we will continue to build on this success, so that Abbot’s Lea School continues to transform young lives and works as a centre of excellence for autism education, research and professional development locally, nationally and internationally.”

Robert Lowe, chair of governors, commented: “On behalf of the governing body, I wish to express my congratulations to the whole school community for the latest ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted inspection outcome.

“Abbot’s Lea is a very special place and the education on offer is superb. I thank the headteacher and the leadership team, as well as all staff, regardless of their role, for their dedication and hard work. Congratulations!”

The full report can be read here.