Ashley High School

Ashley High School has effectively upheld its outstanding performance since its last inspection. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to its pupils, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). An encouraging atmosphere combined with high expectations from staff has fostered a calm learning environment where students thrive academically and personally. The school offers a broad curriculum that prioritizes both academic achievement and personal development, ensuring students are well-prepared for adulthood with numerous life skills opportunities. Additionally, the school's extensive career guidance supports students in making informed decisions about their futures.

Strengths

• The school has maintained exceptional standards for pupil achievement.
• Pupils make strong progress from their starting points.
• Staff are exceptionally encouraging and supportive.
• The school has devised a robust personal development program.
• Extensive careers information and support are provided to pupils.
• Staff effectively identify and address key gaps in pupils' learning.

Areas for Improvement

• A few curriculum leaders lack opportunities to review their areas of responsibility in detail.

In 2024–25 pupils at Ashley High School attended 91.6% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 25.9% 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, 3.9% of pupils at Ashley High 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 Ashley High School had 7.2 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 1.7% 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 Ashley High School had 137 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: speech, language and communication needs; 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 Ashley High School received £25,218 and spent £22,389 for each of its 137 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £1,153,000 (£8,415 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 Widnes · Halton local authority: places and applications

What is Ashley High School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Ashley High School is Outstanding, from an inspection in March 2025.

When was Ashley High School last inspected by Ofsted?

Ashley High School was last inspected in March 2025.

How many pupils does Ashley High School have?

Ashley High School has 137 pupils on roll.

What age range does Ashley High School cover?

Ashley High School for pupils aged 11 to 19.

What are Ashley High School's GCSE results?

In 2025 its average Attainment 8 score was 10.7, and 9% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Ashley High School?

Ashley High School is at Cawfield Avenue, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7HG.