The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form

The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form has been evaluated as outstanding across all areas of inspection, reflecting a high standard of overall effectiveness in education, behaviour, and leadership. The school excels in providing a calm and nurturing environment, tailored experiences for its pupils, and a curriculum that not only addresses academic needs but also focuses on social and emotional development. The commitment from the staff, along with effective teamwork, contributes significantly to the positive experiences and progress of all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This was the school's first inspection since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it effectively demonstrated how adaptations have been made in response to challenges faced during this period.

Strengths

• Outstanding quality of education across all domains
• Excellent behaviour and nurturing relationships between staff and pupils
• Tailored learning experiences aligned with pupils' interests
• Exceptional leadership and commitment to continuous improvement
• Effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities
• Comprehensive careers provision and well-planned work experience

In 2024–25 pupils at The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form attended 93.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 15.9% 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 The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form 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 William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form had 83 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 98.6%).

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 non-maintained special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Brighouse · Calderdale local authority: places and applications

What is The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form is Outstanding, from an inspection in November 2023.

When was The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form last inspected by Ofsted?

The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form was last inspected in November 2023.

How many pupils does The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form have?

The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form has 83 pupils on roll.

What age range does The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form cover?

The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form for pupils aged 5 to 19.

Where is The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form?

The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form is at Boothroyd, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 3JW.