Oaklands School

Oaklands School continues to demonstrate outstanding performance, maintaining high standards since its last inspection in 2019. Pupils at Oaklands are happy and engaged, thriving in a supportive environment that emphasizes resilience and independence. The school’s ethos encourages all pupils, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. With a well-rounded curriculum and numerous extracurricular activities, pupils are well-prepared for future endeavors, showcasing their skills through various programs and work experiences.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from strong, caring relationships with staff.
• The school has high expectations for both behavior and academic achievement.
• A varied and vibrant curriculum effectively meets pupils' needs.
• Staff use strong subject knowledge to present new content clearly.
• Reading is prioritized, with tailored phonics sessions and encouragement to explore diverse genres.
• Pupils are supported in developing emotional resilience and managing their behavior positively.
• The personal development program is integrated into all aspects of school life.
• Staff well-being and professional development are prioritized.

In 2024–25 pupils at Oaklands School attended 93.2% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 19.8% 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, 3.5% of pupils at Oaklands 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 Oaklands School had 8.0 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 6.9% 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 Oaklands School had 178 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; social, emotional and mental health; speech, language and communication needs; 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 Oaklands School received £23,598 and spent £22,253 for each of its 178 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £512,000 (£2,877 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 Winsford · Cheshire West and Chester local authority: places and applications

What is Oaklands School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Oaklands School is Outstanding, from an inspection in April 2025.

When was Oaklands School last inspected by Ofsted?

Oaklands School was last inspected in April 2025.

How many pupils does Oaklands School have?

Oaklands School has 178 pupils on roll.

What age range does Oaklands School cover?

Oaklands School for pupils aged 11 to 17.

Where is Oaklands School?

Oaklands School is at Montgomery Way, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 1NU.