Mill Ford School

Mill Ford School has demonstrated an exceptional standard of education, resulting in an overall assessment of outstanding. The school caters to pupils with complex support needs and severe learning difficulties, excelling particularly in communication and personal development. The curriculum is tailored to meet individual needs, allowing students to progress at their own pace while receiving ample support and opportunities to engage in the community. Leadership is strong, encouraging a culture where pupils feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn.

Strengths

• Exceptional support for pupils' communication needs.
• High ambition for pupils leading to individual achievements.
• Innovative use of the community to enhance learning experiences.
• Strong leadership resulting in rising expectations and outcomes.
• Effective provision in the sixth form to prepare students for adulthood.

In 2024–25 pupils at Mill Ford School attended 90.3% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 29.4% 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, 0.8% of pupils at Mill Ford 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 Mill Ford School had 7.7 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 6.1% 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 Mill Ford School had 149 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: severe learning difficulty.

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 Mill Ford School received £35,384 and spent £35,162 for each of its 149 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £752,000 (£5,044 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

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What is Mill Ford School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Mill Ford School is Outstanding, from an inspection in July 2024.

When was Mill Ford School last inspected by Ofsted?

Mill Ford School was last inspected in July 2024.

How many pupils does Mill Ford School have?

Mill Ford School has 149 pupils on roll.

What age range does Mill Ford School cover?

Mill Ford School for pupils aged 3 to 19.

What are Mill Ford School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Mill Ford School?

Mill Ford School is at Rochford Crescent, Ernesettle, Plymouth, Devon, PL5 2PY.