'˜Excellent progress' for special school

There are only 50 students at REAL Independent School, –which operates from The Old Fire Station on Mansfield Road, Blidworth, and Concorde House, Kestral Road, Mansfield – many of whom were excluded from their previous schools for bad behaviour.

The school has now been rated good by education watchdog Ofsted, with leadership and students’ personal development rated outstanding, following its latest inspection.

The inspectors’ report said “senior leaders are united in their unceasing drive for excellence” and staff were “dedicated to improving opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils”.

Nikki Purcell, headteacher, thanked staff for their hard work, saying: “It is marvellous that the inspection has highlighted the hard work and high expectations of staff across the school and also recognises the quality of relationships between staff and learners.”

A key finding in the report was that students “make outstanding improvements in behaviour and attendance once they have developed confidence in the exemplary care and individual support provided by staff”.

Craig Wilkie, communications governor at the school, said everyone was thrilled with the Ofsted report.

“He said: “At the heart of all the staff efforts are the needs of the children and young people.

“We are looking to build on the successes outlined in this report and reflect on ways to enhance our provision in our determined effort to give pupils at the school our best.”