SEN school Leigh Academy Milestone in New Ash Green rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted

By Sofia Simmons

A special educational needs (SEN) school has been rated “outstanding” by education watchdogs for the fourth time.

Leigh Academy Milestone, in New Ash Green, was praised by Ofsted inspectors for its “consistently high aspirations” for its pupils and for helping them “flourish in school and beyond”.

The report said its students “love learning” and develop “deeply compassionate and caring relationships” with each other, meaning they feel “happy and safe” there.

Pupils were also said to make rapid progress against their targets in their education, health, and care plans and have “ample opportunities to develop their skills and talents”.

Inspectors praised staff for being experts in their subjects and for their “unwavering commitment” to ensuring their students have the “very best education”.

They were also said to match the curriculum “meticulously” to the needs of its pupils, allowing them to achieve well, and for breaking down barriers in their learning.

It continued, adding how the students’ education at the school in Ash Road is “one of the highest quality” and that its support for their personal development was “exemplary”.

Reading was also said to be at the “heart of the school’s excellent work” which helped its pupils become confident readers over time.

“Pupils love school. This is clear in the smiles and warm welcome they give staff…”

Inspectors added: “Pupils love school. This is clear in the smiles and warm welcome they give staff on arrival each day.”

The school, which has around 380 students from the age of three to 19, was also said to offer “excellent opportunities”, especially in sixth form, including working with staff in the hydrotherpahy pool or charity shops.

The report did find that medical issues can stop some people regularly attending school, however, that the specialist care they recieved has helped improve this.

Welcoming the Ofsted result, principal Sarah Goosani said: “This judgement is a direct reflection of the extraordinary dedication, professionalism and care shown by our staff every day.

“Staff understand each pupil deeply and work tirelessly to remove barriers and build independence.

“I am incredibly proud that their efforts have been recognised at the highest level for the fourth time.

“Our community is united by a shared purpose which is to give every pupil the best possible education and this outcome confirms that we are doing exactly that."

Chief executive of the Leigh Academies Trust, Simon Beamish, added: “The Ofsted team recognised what we see daily at Milestone: the exceptional efforts of a staff team who know their pupils deeply and give everything to help them succeed.

“Milestone’s sustained excellence is the result of relentless care, expertise and ambition for every learner."