Ofsted has praised a small Middlesbrough school for its “exceptional” work helping children get their education back on track.
Inspectors visited Hopefields School in Riverside Park in June and rated attendance, behaviour and inclusion exceptional, with strong results in every other area inspected.
The school supports young people with complex social, emotional and mental health needs, many of whom arrive after struggling in mainstream education. Most have an education, health and care plan.
The report highlighted the difference the school makes to children who have struggled with education.
Inspectors said many pupils arrive with major gaps in their learning and disrupted education, but quickly become part of the school community with staff support.
The report states: "Pupils speak extremely positively about how the school helps them and the transformative impact that it has had on their lives."
One pupil told inspectors: "Staff at this school know, care for, and understand me. They help me to do well."
Inspectors found that most pupils see a significant improvement in their attendance after joining the school, while behaviour was described as "exemplary".
The report added: "Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They interact with each other and with staff incredibly well."
Ofsted also praised staff for making pupils feel welcome and valued and working closely with families from the day they join.
Inspectors said the school’s transition programme helps pupils settle in, feel they belong and engage positively with education.
They were also particularly impressed by opportunities for pupils to learn outside the classroom at the school's farm in Wolviston - where young people take part in practical activities and learn how to care for animals, experiences inspectors said help bring learning to life.
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In the planning application for the farm site in 2025, the school stated that it catered for 40 young people, but had more than 200 children on its waiting list.
Parents who spoke to inspectors were overwhelmingly positive about the support their children receive, while staff said they were proud to work at the school.
The report said pupils feel safe, valued and supported, and urged leaders to build on the school’s high standards.
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