Salisbury Academy for Inspirational Learning (SAIL) has been praised by Ofsted but is working to improve in some areas

Salisbury school celebrates positive Ofsted inspection – with areas to improve

Jamie JonesOctober 2, 20260 Comment1

A SALISBURY school providing education and therapeutic support for young people with extra needs has been praised by inspectors.

Ofsted inspectors said the Salisbury Academy for Inspirational Learning (SAIL) created an inclusive community where pupils can rebuild confidence and enjoy learning, often as their “first positive experience of school and education”.

Part of the Reach South Academy Trust, the inspectors said the school had a strong focus on personalised support and pupil wellbeing, resulting in a positive impact on pupils’ confidence, independence and readiness to learn.

Under the new Ofsted report card system, SAIL was rated as reaching the ‘Expected standard’ in Attendance and Behaviour, Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing, with safeguarding standards also met.

The report said “SAIL Academy is an inclusive place to learn” where “deeply committed staff provide a warm welcome”.

Areas SAIL can improve, according to Ofsted

Areas the school could improve include in Achievement and Curriculum, and Teaching.

SAIL said school leaders are already taking action to improve in those areas.

Headteacher, Daniel Goldstraw, said: “We are incredibly proud of the recognition Ofsted has given to the care and support pupils receive at SAIL every day. Our staff work incredibly hard to understand each pupil as an individual and provide the right help to engage them with learning and enjoy coming to school.

“For many of our pupils, education has not always been a positive experience, so it means a great deal to see inspectors recognise the steps they are making and the strong relationships that sit at the heart of school life. This report reflects the dedication of our staff team and the partnership we have built with families.

“We know there is more work to do, but this report gives us a strong foundation to build on. We will continue working together to ensure every pupil at SAIL has the opportunity to grow in confidence and achieve their potential.”