Three Ways School in Bath, which educates 250 pupils all of whom have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC), has earned a rare ‘exceptional’ rating in a recent Ofsted inspection. Every pupil at the school has a disability or learning difficulty, and the report highlights the school’s outstanding commitment to inclusion and pupil development.
Published last month, the Ofsted report describes Three Ways School as “an inspiring and compassionate learning community that ensures access to achievement for all.” Inspectors commented on the strong relationships between pupils and staff within this warm environment, noting the school’s dedication from early years through to sixth form in preparing pupils for adult life.
A key strength identified was the school’s approach to communication. The report emphasises that developing pupils' communication skills is central to the school’s ethos. All forms of communication-from signs and symbols to gestures, touch, and language-are valued. Skilled support ensures pupils can express their needs and wishes, and no opportunity for communication is overlooked. This approach results in pupils being highly engaged and making strong progress relative to their starting points.
The school also provides exceptional opportunities beyond the classroom. Pupils have performed as part of the school orchestra in Bath Abbey and benefit from partnerships with local football and rugby clubs. Sixth form students further enhance their communication skills through work in the school’s café, open to the public during term time.
Ofsted’s inspection framework no longer awards a single overall rating but assesses different areas with one of five designations: ‘exceptional’, ‘strong standard’, ‘expected standard’, ‘needs attention’, and ‘urgent improvement required’. Achieving an ‘exceptional’ rating is rare, and Three Ways School attained this for its inclusion policy.
Inspectors praised the school’s leadership and staff for their relentless focus on identifying and overcoming barriers to learning, enabling every pupil to succeed. Many pupils have complex needs spanning health and social care and often come from vulnerable family backgrounds. The report notes that pupils' needs are central to every decision, with leaders demonstrating exceptional understanding and high ambitions for disadvantaged pupils.
In addition to inclusion, the school was rated as operating at a ‘strong standard’ in six areas: achievement, attendance and behaviour, early years provision, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and post-16 provision. The curriculum and teaching were assessed as meeting the ‘expected standard’.
Headteacher Jo Stoaling expressed pride in the report, stating, “Three Ways School is proud to share our recent Ofsted report. Receiving an exceptional grading for Inclusion is a huge honour and reflects how much our pupils care for each other and their community, taking pride in all they achieve.”
She continued to acknowledge the dedication of the staff, support from families, carers, multi-agency teams, and the local community, as well as the efforts of the school’s outreach service, Brighter Futures, which supports pupils in mainstream schools across the area.
Looking ahead, the school trust is progressing plans for two new special schools in Keynsham (Charlton House) and on the former Culverhay site (Green Ways). These developments aim to grow special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) capacity in the Bath and North East Somerset area, ensuring more pupils can benefit from excellent facilities.
Ms Stoaling also thanked the local community for its ongoing support of Three Ways School and invited residents to visit the 3 Cafe Kitchen, the school’s work skills community café, upon its reopening in September.
“Happy summer holidays to everyone!” she concluded.