Woodlands Secondary School

Woodlands Secondary School is an outstanding institution that excels in providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for pupils with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school prioritizes the success and well-being of all its students, enabling them to flourish both academically and personally. Strong relationships between staff and pupils foster a sense of safety and trust, contributing to exceptional learning experiences and behavioral management. The curriculum is expertly tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring that all students are well-prepared for adulthood through practical life skills and community involvement. Despite its outstanding status, the school continually enhances its practices, prioritizing communication and language development and providing tailored opportunities that promote independence. The effective governance and leadership further support a collaborative atmosphere where staff feel valued. Overall, Woodlands Secondary demonstrates a commitment to excellence, making significant strides in supporting its students and preparing them for their future endeavors.

Strengths

• Exceptional quality of education for pupils with SEND
• Strong relationships between staff and pupils
• Highly inclusive and supportive environment
• Bespoke curriculum tailored to individual needs
• Excellent preparation for adulthood
• Effective communication and language development strategies
• Supportive governance that enhances school leadership

In 2024–25 pupils at Woodlands Secondary School attended 88.1% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 33.2% 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, 10.6% of pupils at Woodlands Secondary 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 Woodlands Secondary School had 9.4 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 13.7% 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 Woodlands Secondary School had 262 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: moderate learning difficulty; severe learning difficulty; profound and multiple learning difficulty; social, emotional and mental health; hearing impairment; vision impairment; multi-sensory impairment; 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 Woodlands Secondary School received £28,242 and spent £28,718 for each of its 262 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £205,000 (£784 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 Woodlands Secondary School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Woodlands Secondary School is Outstanding, from an inspection in June 2024.

When was Woodlands Secondary School last inspected by Ofsted?

Woodlands Secondary School was last inspected in June 2024.

How many pupils does Woodlands Secondary School have?

Woodlands Secondary School has 262 pupils on roll.

What age range does Woodlands Secondary School cover?

Woodlands Secondary School for pupils aged 11 to 18.

Where is Woodlands Secondary School?

Woodlands Secondary School is at Northwell Drive, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU3 3SP.