A SEND school’s first ever Ofsted report has seen them praised for making a positive difference to the lives of their pupils.

Sir Peter Hall School in Bury St Edmunds achieved a ‘Good’ rating across all four areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

The school in Airfield Road came in for particular praise over how it has supported pupils change their perception of education.

The report said: “Many pupils arrive at the school with poor experiences of education. Some pupils have low confidence because they have not been in a school for some time.

“The school changes pupils’ negative perspectives of themselves. Attending this school makes a positive difference to pupils’ lives.”

Well-considered and effective support, which helps pupils build trust with staff as well as meet the school’s high expectations, were also highlighted in the report.

Interim headteacher, Krishna Purbhoo, said “We are delighted with the Ofsted report and how it reflects the strengths of the Sir Peter Hall School.

“We are extremely proud of our pupils who spoke to the team about their experiences at school and we are now looking forward to the next stage of the school’s journey.”

Other areas of praise included an ambitious curriculum, which covered a mix of academic and vocational subjects suited to pupils’ needs and aspirations, and opportunities to build pupils’ social and emotional resilience.

This gives pupils confidence and the chance to gain relevant qualifications and experiences that support them for life after school.

Tim Coulson, chief executive of Unity Schools Partnership, who runs Sir Peter Hall School, said: “The Trust counts it a privilege to have successfully opened a second special school in Suffolk for children with severe social, emotional and mental health special needs. We are proud to have staff that have gone over and above to make a difference to children’s lives.”