Mary Hare School

Mary Hare School is effectively maintaining the high standards established during its previous inspection and is recognized for its strong support of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school's curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced in most areas, ensuring that pupils, all of whom have hearing impairments, are well-prepared for their future educational pathways. Pupils at Mary Hare exhibit positive behaviors and demonstrate a strong sense of belonging and trust in their relationships with staff, contributing to a nurturing and inclusive school environment. However, there are some areas for improvement, particularly in the sequencing of knowledge in a few foundation subjects.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate strong communication skills and confidence.
• The school has an effective therapeutic approach to support pupil development.
• Pupils build essential vocabulary and communication skills from a young age.
• The curriculum is ambitious and tailored to meet diverse pupil needs.
• Strong behaviour management strategies promote excellent conduct.
• Pupils are engaged and motivated, participating actively in their learning.
• Provides effective independent careers guidance and work-based experiences.

Areas for Improvement

• In a small number of foundation subjects, the sequencing of knowledge is unclear.

In 2024–25 pupils at Mary Hare School attended 85.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 47.5% 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, 17.0% of pupils at Mary Hare 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 Mary Hare School had 146 pupils, 97.9% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 98.6%).

It says it provides for: hearing impairment.

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 Newbury · West Berkshire local authority: places and applications

What is Mary Hare School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Mary Hare School is Good, from an inspection in June 2025.

When was Mary Hare School last inspected by Ofsted?

Mary Hare School was last inspected in June 2025.

How many pupils does Mary Hare School have?

Mary Hare School has 146 pupils on roll.

What age range does Mary Hare School cover?

Mary Hare School for pupils aged 4 to 19.

What are Mary Hare School's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 33.2, and 20% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Mary Hare School?

Mary Hare School is at Arlington Manor, Snelsmore Common, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 3BQ.