Kilgarth School

Kilgarth School has demonstrated effective actions to maintain the high standards established during its previous inspection and continues to provide a nurturing environment for its pupils. The school effectively supports students, all of whom have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), leading to exceptional academic and vocational achievements. The thoughtful design of the curriculum and the supportive relationships fostered between staff and pupils contribute significantly to the overall success of the school community.

Strengths

• Provides a calm and welcoming learning environment
• Has high aspirations for pupils' academic and social success
• Offers a rich vocational curriculum tailored to pupils' ambitions
• Maintains exceptionally well-behaved classrooms
• Focuses on developing reading and spoken language skills
• Promotes pupils' independence, self-confidence, and resilience
• Ensures effective strategies for identifying and supporting additional SEND needs
• Implements strong career advice and work-related learning opportunities

In 2024–25 pupils at Kilgarth School attended 75.3% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 57.4% 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, 51.7% of pupils at Kilgarth 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 Kilgarth School had 3.9 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 0.0% 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 Kilgarth School had 63 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health.

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 Kilgarth School received £29,815 and spent £34,976 for each of its 63 pupils. It ended the year with a deficit of £949,000 (-£15,056 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 Kilgarth School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Kilgarth School is Outstanding, from an inspection in December 2024.

When was Kilgarth School last inspected by Ofsted?

Kilgarth School was last inspected in December 2024.

How many pupils does Kilgarth School have?

Kilgarth School has 63 pupils on roll.

What age range does Kilgarth School cover?

Kilgarth School for pupils aged 11 to 16.

What are Kilgarth School's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 8.6, and 0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Kilgarth School?

Kilgarth School is at Cavendish Street, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH41 8BA.