Marlborough School

Marlborough School demonstrates significant improvement since its last inspection, stemming from a committed staff and a rich, tailored curriculum. The school excels in creating a nurturing environment where pupils with special educational needs thrive. The curriculum is comprehensive, focusing on communication and life skills, helping students prepare for adulthood while also ensuring individual needs are met. Engagement with the local community through varied activities further enhances student experience and supports their development.

Strengths

• Strong focus on individualized learning and supportive staff.
• Nurturing learning environment that promotes pupil well-being.
• Comprehensive curriculum prioritizing communication and independence.
• High-quality education tailored to meet diverse pupil needs.
• Effective management of pupil behavior through well-established routines.
• Successful preparation for adulthood through life skills education.

In 2024–25 pupils at Marlborough School attended 86.5% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 34.0% 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, 0.0% of pupils at Marlborough 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 Marlborough School had 5.7 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 19.7% 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 Marlborough School had 92 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: severe learning difficulty; profound and multiple learning difficulty; physical disability; autistic spectrum disorder.

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 Marlborough School received £40,107 and spent £39,357 for each of its 92 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £173,000 (£1,881 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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• Secondary Schools

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What is Marlborough School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Marlborough School is Good, from an inspection in July 2025.

When was Marlborough School last inspected by Ofsted?

Marlborough School was last inspected in July 2025.

How many pupils does Marlborough School have?

Marlborough School has 92 pupils on roll.

What age range does Marlborough School cover?

Marlborough School for pupils aged 11 to 19.

Where is Marlborough School?

Marlborough School is at Marlborough Park Avenue, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 9DP.