Park Lane School

Park Lane School has made significant improvements since its last inspection, now achieving a 'Good' overall effectiveness rating. Pupils feel safe, happy, and develop a strong sense of belonging. High expectations from staff contribute to positive behavior and strong relationships among pupils. Overall, pupils are motivated and engaged in their learning, benefiting from the school's ambitious curriculum in most areas. However, some aspects of the key stage 4 and sixth-form curriculums lack ambition for certain pupils, which presents a challenge in their educational outcomes.

Strengths

• Strong sense of belonging among pupils
• High expectations for personal development and behavior
• Effective communication strategies used throughout the school
• Excellent support for pupils with special educational needs
• Engaging enrichment opportunities for pupils
• Staff motivation and support for their roles
• Pupils show exemplary conduct and kindness

Areas for Improvement

• Curriculum in some subjects for key stage 4 and sixth form lacks ambition for certain pupils
• Insufficient opportunities for high-quality careers advice and guidance

In 2024–25 pupils at Park Lane School attended 88.9% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 34.3% 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 Park Lane 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 Park Lane School had 7.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 0.0% 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 Park Lane School had 151 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: specific learning difficulty; moderate learning difficulty; severe learning difficulty; profound and multiple learning difficulty; social, emotional and mental health; speech, language and communication needs; hearing impairment; vision impairment; multi-sensory impairment; physical disability; autistic spectrum disorder; other difficulty or disability.

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 Park Lane School received £27,369 and spent £27,029 for each of its 151 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £838,000 (£5,548 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 Macclesfield · Cheshire East local authority: places and applications

What is Park Lane School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Park Lane School is Good, from an inspection in June 2024.

When was Park Lane School last inspected by Ofsted?

Park Lane School was last inspected in June 2024.

How many pupils does Park Lane School have?

Park Lane School has 151 pupils on roll.

What age range does Park Lane School cover?

Park Lane School for pupils aged 4 to 19.

What are Park Lane School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is Park Lane School?

Park Lane School is at Park Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 8JR.