Woodlands School

Woodlands School continues to demonstrate a good level of performance, characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils are encouraged to thrive. The strong commitment from leaders and staff to prioritize students' communication skills and independence is evident, contributing significantly to the overall positive atmosphere of the school. With a curriculum tailored to meet the needs of pupils with complex special educational needs and disabilities, the school excels in promoting both academic and personal development. Parent feedback reflects the success of pupils in achieving beyond their expectations, highlighting the school's effective strategies in fostering confidence and resilience among students.

Strengths

• Strong emphasis on communication and language development
• High expectations for pupil achievement
• Effective partnership with parents and the community
• Individualized learning programs fitting the needs of each pupil
• Strong relationships between staff and pupils
• Positive behaviour support mechanisms with rare incidents of bullying

Areas for Improvement

• Limited specialist subject knowledge in a few foundation subjects

In 2024–25 pupils at Woodlands School attended 85.1% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 51.4% 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 Woodlands 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 School had 6.9 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 Woodlands School had 97 pupils, 95.9% 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; speech, language and communication needs; hearing impairment; vision impairment; multi-sensory impairment; physical 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 Woodlands School received £43,246 and spent £42,805 for each of its 97 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £80,000 (£823 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 Plymouth · Plymouth local authority: places and applications

What is Woodlands School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Woodlands School is Good, from an inspection in March 2023.

When was Woodlands School last inspected by Ofsted?

Woodlands School was last inspected in March 2023.

How many pupils does Woodlands School have?

Woodlands School has 97 pupils on roll.

What age range does Woodlands School cover?

Woodlands School for pupils aged 2 to 19.

Where is Woodlands School?

Woodlands School is at Woodview Learning Community, Picklecombe Drive, Off Tamerton Foliot Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 5ES.