Special school is rated outstanding

A special school that helps pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties has been rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Further information

Millgate School in Leicester educates about 100 boys, aged seven to 16, many of whom may have had a negative experience before they join the school. Inspectors praised the ‘nurturing culture’ of the school, which was summed up by one pupil who told them: “Staff really care about us here”.

The report describes the school’s curriculum as ‘exceptional’, with a daily ‘everybody stop and read’ routine that helps foster a love of reading for pleasure as well as for learning. Pupils are also praised as ‘exceptionally polite and respectful to each other and to staff’, producing high-quality work in the knowledge that extra help is on hand when they need it.

Inspectors said leaders at the school were determined to prepare pupils for life and work as independent adults, and teachers are skilful with strong subject knowledge. Overall, the school was rated as outstanding in every area in which it was inspected – up from an overall rating of ‘good’ at the last inspection, in 2015.

Executive headteacher Christopher Bruce said: “I am very proud of my team, they are truly inspirational and this report echoes what I hear so very often from those involved with my school. 

Our staff team, led by Mark Oldman and Sara Marsh, have transformed students’ learning at Millgate School, creating an amazing place through their uncompromising mission to do whatever is necessary, going above and beyond for our remarkable young men and boys. 

“This recognition from Ofsted, rating Millgate School as outstanding, is credit to the many late nights and weekends devoted by our school community over the past four years.  Millgate School is an incredible place to learn and I, along with my staff, continue to be excited as this transformational journey continues.”

Assistant city mayor for education, Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, said: “This is a wonderful report that recognises and demonstrates the skills and experience of Millgate’s staff. They are determined to help pupils who might have had a troubled start to their educational career – and they are incredibly successful at turning things around for them.

“Millgate’s pupils should be proud too, for the part they have played in gaining this outstanding result, thanks to their hard work and excellent behaviour. I’d like to congratulate all the staff, governors and pupils at the school.”

The report is available on the Ofsted website.