Pupils are 'cared for deeply' at this special needs academy in Leeds - Ofsted report

A special needs school in Leeds is celebrating a positive Ofsted inspection - at the first time of asking.

Co-op Academy Brierley, located on Cross Green Lane, Cross Green, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in four out of the seven categories during a May 2026 Ofsted inspection.

The specialist SEND school, which opened in September 2023, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in attendance and behaviour, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.

Part of the Co-op Academies Trust, the school received an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the categories of achievement, curriculum and teaching, and early years.

“Pupils are cared for deeply at this school. They arrive happy, settle quickly and are ready to learn,” the education watchdog said. “Staff greet them warmly, and help them to feel calm and ready for the day ahead. Pupils form positive relationships with staff who know them extremely well.

“Many pupils have had difficult or disrupted experiences of education before joining the school. However, they quickly feel safe, welcome and understood when they join the school. Staff take time to learn about pupils’ interests, needs and family circumstances.”

Since the school opened, attendance has consistently improved, according to the report. Leaders set high expectations for attendance creating a no excuses culture. There is a whole school purposeful approach to managing attendance.

Leaders have created a highly inclusive culture where pupils’ needs are identified quickly and accurately. Transition processes are thorough and highly effective in capturing pupils’ previous experiences.

Co-op Academy Brierley has designed an ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum across four distinct pathways. The curriculum is aligned with the early years foundation stage and national curriculum. Pupils typically access the curriculum successfully and achieve well.

Inspectors also recognised the wide range of opportunities available to pupils beyond the classroom. Activities including swimming, forest school, animal care and community-based experiences help pupils develop confidence, independence and important life skills.

Focusing on areas of potential further improvement, they added: “Leaders should ensure that staff consistently prioritise the most important knowledge that pupils need to learn which embeds pupils’ prior knowledge enabling them to build their understanding securely.

“They should ensure that staff have the knowledge and expertise to identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge promptly and consistently so that pupils develop detailed knowledge and skills and produce high quality work.”

Personal development is a defining feature of the school, according to the report. It underpins daily practice and is carefully linked into the academic curriculum. Pupils quickly build positive relationships, develop independence and confidence.

The school has “grown rapidly” since its opening in 2023, with many new pupils and staff joining in a short space of time. Leaders use their wealth of experience and expertise to manage this expansion extremely well.

Pupils develop communication, independence and life skills which prepares them well for their next steps. Pupils’ learning is well matched to their development needs from reception through to Year 11. The report also praised the school’s work with families.

Sarah Harridge, Headteacher at Co-op Academy Brierley, said: “We are incredibly proud of this report and what it says about our school community. Since opening, we have worked hard to create a school where every child feels safe, valued and understood, and where their individual needs are at the centre of everything we do.

“It is particularly pleasing to see inspectors recognise the inclusive culture we have built, the dedication of our staff team and the strong relationships we have with pupils and families.

“This report reflects the commitment, care and expertise shown by colleagues every day, as well as the resilience and achievements of our wonderful pupils.”