Hazel Oak School

Hazel Oak School is currently undergoing significant changes as it adjusts to a diverse pupil cohort with complex needs. Although previously rated outstanding, the most recent inspection indicates variability in the quality of education and provision, suggesting that there is still work to be done to maintain high standards. The welcoming environment promotes positive relationships, contributing to a sense of safety among students. While many pupils attend regularly and feel secure, the school acknowledges the necessity of enhancing the curriculum and support systems to better cater to the needs of all students, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Strengths

• Positive relationships between staff and pupils foster a safe learning environment.
• Pupils demonstrate a welcoming ethos and are eager to share their experiences.
• Staff are receiving high-quality training to improve their instructional practices.
• The school offers clear behavior expectations, contributing to typically positive conduct.
• Governors provide effective support and challenge for the school.
• Pupils can engage in practical life skills through initiatives like the weekly kitchen.

Areas for Improvement

• The curriculum lacks sufficient development in some subjects and pathways.
• Learning activities do not always build effectively on pupils' prior knowledge.
• Communication systems for pupils with complex needs are not yet fully embedded.

In 2024–25 pupils at Hazel Oak School attended 89.8% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 30.6% 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, 2.5% of pupils at Hazel Oak 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 Hazel Oak School had 7.3 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 22.3% 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 Hazel Oak School had 182 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: specific learning difficulty; moderate learning difficulty; speech, language and communication needs; hearing impairment; physical disability; autistic spectrum disorder; other difficulty or disability.

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 Hazel Oak School received £24,245 and spent £24,393 for each of its 182 pupils. It ended the year with a deficit of £23,000 (-£128 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 Hazel Oak School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Hazel Oak School is Outstanding, from an inspection in January 2025.

When was Hazel Oak School last inspected by Ofsted?

Hazel Oak School was last inspected in January 2025.

How many pupils does Hazel Oak School have?

Hazel Oak School has 182 pupils on roll.

What age range does Hazel Oak School cover?

Hazel Oak School for pupils aged 4 to 19.

What are Hazel Oak School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Hazel Oak School?

Hazel Oak School is at Hazel Oak Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 2AZ.