Students at Mary Rose Academy flourish and achieve very well, a recent Ofsted report has found
Dedicated staff at a special education school are celebrating a stellar Ofsted report which has higlighted its ‘calm and purposeful’ environment that allows students to flourish.
Mary Rose Academy, in Gisors Road, Portsmouth, has been praised for its ‘high-quality opportunities that all pupils benefit’ all students in its recent Ofsted inspection which took place on January 6, 2026.
The report found the school to be working at a strong standard across the board, with its post 16 provision proving to be exceptional.
The inspection findings said: “Pupils have their individual needs met consistently well at this highly aspirational school. The impact of the school is transformative for many pupils.
“Staff work closely with each pupil to ensure that they learn the essential skills needed for their next steps. Pupils are expertly supported to become increasingly independent and confident in their communication. Pupils, including those with the most complex needs, are supported to feel valued and to have a voice in the school.”
Students at Mary Rose Academy are ‘expertly supported’ and as a result, they become increasingly confident and achieve very well. There is also a strong emphasis on the importance of reading, writing and maths, with the report noting that pupils develop a love for reading.
Staff ensure they map out every step in each individual learning plan so there is a clear path so essential skills and knowledge is constantly developing while at the school.
Faye Watton-Lawrence, executive principal of Mary Rose Academy, said:"We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection. The report recognises the care, ambition and dedication that define our school community, and we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved.
“This success is very much a collective one. It reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff, the trust and partnership of our families, and—most importantly—the determination and individuality of our pupils. Every day they show us what can be achieved when children with complex needs are given the right support, encouragement and opportunities, never losing sight of our mantra ‘it's got to be possible’”.
It added: “Staff work hard to build deep and caring relationships with pupils. Pupils feel safe and happy as a result of this work. This is evident in the smiles and laughter that pupils exhibit on arrival at school.
“Pupils who need additional help to regulate their behaviour are very well supported. Skilled staff work tirelessly with pupils to engage with them and return them to learning. Deeply embedded routines and expectations lead to pupils behaving very well.”
The safeguarding measures are effective and there is a strong culture of keeping children safe.
Ms Watton-Lawrence added: “At the heart of our work is a commitment to championing the voices of our pupils. Many of our children communicate in different ways, but every child has something important to say. Ensuring that their views, preferences and personalities shape their learning and experiences is central to everything we do.
“This recognition from Ofsted celebrates a community that works together to ensure every child is seen, heard and valued. We will continue striving to provide the very best for our pupils and their families, and to ensure that the voices of children with complex needs remain at the centre of education."