Our School
Keyham Lodge School is a vibrant and successful City Special School. Previously part of a federation, the school joined Discovery Trust in September 2021 along with Millgate School. All students have an education health care plan and the school cohort is made up of KS3 and KS4 and caters for both girls and boys from KS3 upwards. We are a diverse school and we welcome students from a range of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, which contributes to our unique values and ethos. For the majority of our students, their education prior to joining us has been disrupted and because of this, the school relentlessly strives to remove barriers to learning, close attainment gaps and provide an inclusive environment that is child-centered and learning focussed. Our aim is to ensure the academic, personal and social development of all of our students so that they can develop their potential both in school and in the wider community. We understand that our students have individual talents and in order to ensure success for every child, we believe that education goes beyond the core curriculum and out of the confines of the classroom and consequently we have adapted our curriculum offer to ensure students are prepared for the next stage of their life, whether that be within education or in the workplace.
‘In a letter to the Executive Headteacher, one parent commented, ‘I say thank-you for providing my son with all the tools and skills he needs to be a caring, humble, kind and educated young person, which is the young man I see before me today.’ These comments were typical of those encountered by inspectors throughout the inspection.”
Extract from Ofsted 2017
It is our job to ensure that every child grows and flourishes here at Keyham Lodge School. We have very high expectations of our students and work closely with them to identify any specific needs and support they may require both academically and in relation to their EHCP outcomes, which form a fundamental part of their learning during their time with us and their progress in this area is as rigorously planned for as their academic programmes of study. Many of our young people have very complex needs which include children on the autistic spectrum, with ADHD, attachment disorders, conduct disorders, oppositional and defiance disorders, learning difficulties and learning disabilities.
“Relationships between pupils and staff are exceptionally strong. Pupils trust the staff and, as a result, pupils grow in confidence so that they are able to succeed in all areas of their learning.”
Staff, students and parents are rightly proud of the school and the progress students make. Students are given the opportunity to realise their potential and create better futures. We believe that close partnership with parents ensures that every student achieves as much as they can in their time with us. Students are expected to play an active part in the life of the school, to care about, and contribute to the community and to treat one another with mutual respect.’
Ofsted 2017
Furthermore, we strive to create a culture of learning for both staff and students and as a result systems and structures are embedded into our practices to ensure the quality for teaching and learning is consistently high. Areas for development are continuously identified and members of staff are supported in raising standards.
‘One member of staff commented that their move to teach at Keyham Lodge had ‘rejuvenated my passion for teaching and restored my faith in the education system’.
Ofsted 2017
Leadership are outward looking and the Executive Headteacher drives the school forward so that we continue to meet the needs of the young people in Leicester.
“Inspirational leadership from the Executive Headteacher and director of schools results in a school which is never permitted to stand still. The drive for constant improvement is evident in all of the school’s work. When an inspector asked a pupil about the best aspects of the school, they replied, ‘It’s difficult to pin down the best bits as there are a lot’; inspectors agree.”
Thus to summarise; we are a school who is steadfast in our belief of raising aspirations and increasing opportunities for our students. We strive for excellence every day and this is evident in every aspect of our school and in every element of our practices.
‘One of our most valuable resources is our staff; whether they are teachers or support staff they contribute to the students’ welfare and progress. We only employ people who share our energy and passion about making a difference to the lives of young people. We give all our staff the support, challenge and training for the work they do in the school to ensure that their work meets the high quality and standards we expect.’
Ofsted 2017