Highfield School

Highfield School continues to be recognized as a good school, effectively preparing pupils with a diverse range of special educational needs and/or disabilities for adulthood. The curriculum is tailored to meet the individual needs of pupils, supporting their social, emotional, and academic development. Notable strengths include the school's emphasis on life skills, community involvement, and personal development, which are integrated into everyday school life. Additionally, the students receive extensive support in developing communication skills and financial independence, all designed to equip them for a successful future.

Strengths

• Effective preparation for adulthood for pupils with SEND
• Curriculum is tailored to meet individual pupil needs
• Strong emphasis on personal, social, and health education
• Pupils develop life skills through practical activities
• Positive and supportive school environment
• Regular attendance and good behaviour among pupils

Areas for Improvement

• Lack of precision in identifying precise subject knowledge across the curriculum

In 2024–25 pupils at Highfield 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, 1.4% of pupils at Highfield 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 Highfield School had 6.8 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 15.0% 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 Highfield School had 210 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: severe learning difficulty.

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 Highfield School received £27,070 and spent £27,070 for each of its 210 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £0 (£0 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 Ossett · Wakefield local authority: places and applications

Highfield School is part of Education Ossett - Community Trust, which runs 3 schools. The nearest others:

• Ossett Flushdyke Junior and Infant School Ossett
• Dimple Well Infant School and Nursery Ossett

What is Highfield School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Highfield School is Good, from an inspection in January 2024.

When was Highfield School last inspected by Ofsted?

Highfield School was last inspected in January 2024.

How many pupils does Highfield School have?

Highfield School has 210 pupils on roll.

What age range does Highfield School cover?

Highfield School for pupils aged 11 to 19.

Where is Highfield School?

Highfield School is at Gawthorpe Lane, Ossett, West Yorkshire, WF5 9BS.