11 to 16 year old boys with social, emotional and mental health difficulties

Kilgarth is a non-denominational secondary school for boys who are experiencing social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  We form part of the Aspire Schools Federation and we work closely with Gilbrook School to promote our young people’s positive attributes and provide them with ambitious targets.  The whole ethos of our school is based on care, responsibility and proactive behaviour management, where mutual respect is of prime importance.

During our last two Ofsted inspections, we were rated as outstanding in all areas; inspectors made the following comments about us:

‘For many pupils… starting at Kilgarth has been a ‘game changer.’

‘… pupils behave exceptionally well.’

‘…staff buy in to the vision and ambition that leaders have for the school.’

‘Your pupils and their families are of the opinion that your school transforms lives.’

‘Relationships are the key to success at Kilgarth.’

‘You go to great lengths to understand what might be causing worry or anxieties for your pupils.’

‘Pupils are exceptionally well cared for.’

‘There is extremely high morale within an exceptional atmosphere that nurtures pupils’ learning and improves their behaviour.’

Ofsted inspectors also commented that pupils make ‘good or outstanding progress’ which represents ‘outstanding achievement.’ This outstanding progress is due to high levels of support and outstanding teaching.  Inspectors also noted that ‘Teachers and their support staff work extremely well to ensure that classrooms are welcoming and inspire learning. They ensure that pupils with complex learning and behavioural needs feel secure and welcomed when they come into class.’

Relationships between staff and pupils are exceptional and non-confrontational.  As part of our uncompromising drive in pursuit of excellence we constantly strive to improve.  Our high performing team has achieved national recognition, winning a number of awards over the past few years, including silver for the Pearson Teaching Awards ‘Team of the Year.’ Individual team members have also been recognised for their incredible efforts including for the ‘TES Inspirational Teacher of the Year.’  In 2015 our Chair of Governors received an MBE for her services to education and our Executive Headteacher was made an OBE in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Our ongoing achievements have provided us with unique opportunities for further improvement.  We have advised both the Department for Education and the Ministry of Justice and we are currently leading an exciting project to improve children’s life chances across North Birkenhead; this ‘Cradle to Career’ project is being supported by Wirral Council and several major philanthropists, including the Steve Morgan Foundation.

Kilgarth School SEND Information Report