The Pines Special School

The Pines Special School has effectively maintained the standards identified during its previous inspection, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and success of its pupils. The school fosters a positive and nurturing environment, where pupils feel valued and safe. Staff engage with pupils thoughtfully, ensuring that individual needs are met, particularly those related to autism. The school is well-regarded in the community, receiving high praise from parents for its caring culture and the support it provides to pupils, even after they leave for further education or employment.

Strengths

• Supportive and engaging staff who build positive relationships with pupils
• Well-structured and ambitious curriculum tailored to individual learning pathways
• Strong focus on developing communication skills for all pupils
• Effective therapeutic support for mental health and emotional needs
• High standards of behaviour and politeness among pupils

Areas for Improvement

• Inconsistencies in the implementation of the curriculum, impacting learning outcomes

In 2024–25 pupils at The Pines Special School attended 91.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 22.7% 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, 0.7% of pupils at The Pines Special 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 The Pines Special School had 7.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 18.6% 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 The Pines Special School had 287 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: 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 The Pines Special School received £27,087 and spent £26,490 for each of its 287 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £1,316,000 (£4,586 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).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Birmingham · Birmingham local authority: places and applications

The Pines Special School is part of Birmingham Special Schools Trust, which runs 6 schools. The nearest others:

• Hamilton School Birmingham
• Fox Hollies School Birmingham
• Baskerville School Birmingham
• The Dame Ellen Pinsent School Birmingham
• Longwill A Primary School for Deaf Children Birmingham

What is The Pines Special School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Pines Special School is Good, from an inspection in March 2025.

When was The Pines Special School last inspected by Ofsted?

The Pines Special School was last inspected in March 2025.

How many pupils does The Pines Special School have?

The Pines Special School has 287 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Pines Special School cover?

The Pines Special School for pupils aged 3 to 16.

What are The Pines Special School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is The Pines Special School?

The Pines Special School is at Marsh Hill, Birmingham, West Midlands, B23 7EY.