Outstanding Special School

Piper Hill Specialist Support High School in Newall Green has been named by Ofsted as one of twelve nationally outstanding special schools that really excel at providing for very vulnerable children and young people.

Ofsted’s report ‘Twelve outstanding special schools - Excelling through inclusion’ shows how Piper Hill and the other outstanding special schools deal with complex special educational needs, behavioural difficulties, disabilities and pupils excluded from mainstream schools.

This national praise comes just weeks after the move by pupils at the school into brand new accommodation on a £25 million campus they share with St Paul’s RC High School.

The school was commended by Ofsted for the highly effective teamwork demonstrated throughout the school and for the way it constantly shares best practice both within school and with other schools who benefit greatly from their expertise.

Piper Hill Headteacher Linda Jones says that the school is ambitious, has high expectations and aspirations for every child and takes a highly individualised approach to learning that ensures every pupil reaches their own potential.

She said: “When a pupil comes to the school we very much take the long view of the pupil and work across the staff team and with parents and carers to help the pupil achieve their personal goals.

“We are delighted that the work of our school has been recognised in this way. It is a tribute to the hard work of teachers, pupils and our parents who are very supportive of our approach to learning.”

The school moved into its new home co-located with St Paul’s RC High School at the start of November. The campus has state of the art facilities including a range of outdoor play and sports facilities an all-weather sports pitch and a hydro-therapy pool. The two schools share a Learning Resource Centre, staff room and dining room. The two schools are linked by a covered walkway at ground floor level and a first floor bridge between the two buildings. Both schools have also benefited from substantial investment in state of the art ICT facilities.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member Children’s Services, Manchester City Council, said: “The new shared campus for the school is part of a £500m investment in schools citywide that is also set to further improve and transform special educational needs teaching and learning across the city.

“To be nationally recognised as one of the best special schools in the country is a fantastic achievement for Piper Hilll and speaks volumes about the quality and commitment of the whole staff team at the school”