Little Heath School

Little Heath School is performing well as a good school where pupils flourish in a safe and respectful environment. The school has established high standards that encourage students to be engaged and enjoy learning. With a strong emphasis on reading and communication skills, staff work collaboratively with families to support pupils, particularly those with previously challenging educational experiences. The school's on-site facilities, such as a farm, enhance the pupils' social and cultural development, further contributing to a rich learning experience overall.

Strengths

• Pupils feel safe and flourish in a supportive environment.
• The school has an ambitious curriculum with multiple tailored learning routes.
• Effective phonics program helps pupils become confident readers.
• Personalized communication and language development is a notable strength.
• Strong careers guidance prepares pupils for adulthood and further education.

Areas for Improvement

• Some subjects lack clarity in what pupils should learn and when.

In 2024–25 pupils at Little Heath School attended 88.5% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 40.5% 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 Little Heath 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 Little Heath School had 6.8 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 10.7% 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 Little Heath School had 264 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: moderate learning difficulty.

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 Little Heath School received £37,892 and spent £32,635 for each of its 264 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £2,285,000 (£8,657 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 Little Heath School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Little Heath School is Good, from an inspection in April 2024.

When was Little Heath School last inspected by Ofsted?

Little Heath School was last inspected in April 2024.

How many pupils does Little Heath School have?

Little Heath School has 264 pupils on roll.

What age range does Little Heath School cover?

Little Heath School for pupils aged 11 to 19.

Where is Little Heath School?

Little Heath School is at Hainault Road, Little Heath, Romford, Essex, RM6 5RX.