Bristol Gateway, a special school that only five years ago was deemed as failing and threatened with closure, has been recognised by government inspectors Ofsted for its progress and improvements.

Now judged as ‘good’ the 80-pupil school, which is part of the Woodway Federation, caters exclusively for children with emotional, behavioural or social difficulties.

Based in Lawrence Weston, young people aged between 11 and 16 attend from across Bristol.

Behind the ‘good’ judgement across all measures are GCSE results that have almost doubled in two years and no children leaving last year being classed as Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).

Highlights from the report include:

· Students make good progress and achieve well in a range of subjects;
· The school prepares them well for the next stages education or training after they leave;
· Students feel safe and express confidence in being able to speak to staff if anything is worrying them;
· The school has improved achievement, teaching and students’ behaviour and safety since the previous inspection; and
· Good relationships between staff and students gives them the confidence to try hard in their lessons.

Bristol Gateway Headteacher Kaye Palmer-Greene said:

“Bristol Gateway school has been on a very difficult journey but we’ve built a really strong team and have a real commitment to progress and impact. We work together on a curriculum based around the personal strengths and interests of individual students.

“This, with a strong emphasis on sporting achievement and a wrap-around, nurture approach means we’re delivering a much better standard of education for some of the most vulnerable teenagers in Bristol.

“After a few years of rapid change we’re now looking to consolidate this and continue to support our students so they leave with even more nationally recognised qualifications and go on to lead happy, productive and meaningful lives.”

This year Bristol Gateway was awarded beacon gold mark status from the Youth Sports Trust for leading national sporting programmes for disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

Chair of Governors Sarah Searle-Barnes said:

“Governors are delighted that the commitment and expertise of the staff has been recognised by Ofsted. Governors will continue to work with both of the schools in the Woodway Federation (Woodstock and Bristol Gateway) to consolidate and further improve the provision and opportunities for all pupils.”

For more information about Bristol Gateway School, please visit http://www.bristolgateway.bristol.sch.uk/website