Valley School

Valley School is a special school for pupils with complex needs, including profound, severe and multiple learning difficulties, and it is performing exceptionally well in the areas of inclusion and personal development. Inspectors found that highly effective, personalised practices ensure pupils' needs are met precisely, leading to significant gains in independence and communication. The school's work with families and health professionals is a notable strength, and parents describe a transformational impact. Safeguarding standards are met.

Strengths

• Exceptional inclusive practices tailored to pupils' complex needs
• Outstanding personal development and wellbeing provision
• Strong progress in achievement from diverse starting points
• Exemplary behaviour support systems
• Effective early years provision that helps children settle and thrive
• High-quality leadership with a strong focus on staff wellbeing
• Robust safeguarding culture and practices
• Excellent partnership working with families and health professionals

Areas for Improvement

• Governors' oversight of curriculum and teaching is not as robust as in other areas

In 2024–25 pupils at Valley School attended 89.8% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 29.2% 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 Valley 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 Valley School had 6.1 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 21.5% 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 Valley School had 56 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; speech, language and communication needs; 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 Valley School received £42,107 and spent £40,565 for each of its 56 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £58,000 (£1,039 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 Valley School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Valley School is Expected standard, from an inspection in September 2026.

When was Valley School last inspected by Ofsted?

Valley School was last inspected in September 2026.

How many pupils does Valley School have?

Valley School has 56 pupils on roll.

What age range does Valley School cover?

Valley School for pupils aged 2 to 11.

What are Valley School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Valley School?

Valley School is at Whitehaven Road, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 1EN.