Oak Lodge School

Oak Lodge School has effectively maintained the standards established in its previous inspection, demonstrating strong support for its pupils, who are primarily deaf or have communication needs. The school fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel safe and valued. Pupils receive excellent care from well-trained staff who have successful strategies for enhancing language development and personal growth. Opportunities for broader learning experiences, including workplace exposure and emotional support, are integrated into daily activities, preparing students well for future transitions. The school, however, acknowledges the need for further clarity in their newly adapted curriculum pathways to ensure that all staff are aware of the best approaches for delivering subject knowledge over time. While the overall performance is robust and students thrive in both academic and personal development, this area will require ongoing attention to maintain and enhance educational effectiveness.

Strengths

• Pupils enjoy a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
• Strong emphasis on individual pupil needs and relationships.
• High-quality opportunities for language and communication development.
• Effective support from well-trained staff and therapists.
• Pupils achieve well academically, particularly in communication and language.
• Positive relationships foster kindness and respect among pupils.
• Innovative programs to prepare pupils for their future careers.
• Successful involvement of pupils in leadership and teamwork activities.

Areas for Improvement

• Lack of clarity in the teaching sequence of subject content in some subjects.

In 2024–25 pupils at Oak Lodge School attended 90.5% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 42.6% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 8.8% of pupils at Oak Lodge School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Oak Lodge School had 4.0 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 10.5% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 Oak Lodge School had 96 pupils, 99.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: specific learning difficulty; moderate learning difficulty; social, emotional and mental health; speech, language and communication needs; hearing impairment; vision impairment.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Oak Lodge School received £63,604 and spent £58,839 for each of its 96 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £1,370,000 (£14,267 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

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What is Oak Lodge School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Oak Lodge School is Good, from an inspection in May 2025.

When was Oak Lodge School last inspected by Ofsted?

Oak Lodge School was last inspected in May 2025.

How many pupils does Oak Lodge School have?

Oak Lodge School has 96 pupils on roll.

What age range does Oak Lodge School cover?

Oak Lodge School for pupils aged 10 to 19.

Where is Oak Lodge School?

Oak Lodge School is at 101 Nightingale Lane, Balham, London, SW12 8NA.