Victoria Education Centre

Victoria Education Centre has demonstrated effective action to maintain high educational standards since its previous inspection. The school provides a supportive environment where staff focus on individual student needs and aim to build confidence and independence among pupils. There is a strong emphasis on core subjects and preparations for adulthood, with numerous enrichment activities that foster personal development and social skills. Positive adult relationships and effective pastoral support contribute to a nurturing atmosphere, allowing pupils to thrive despite their complex needs. However, there are some concerns about the impact of leadership changes and communication with parents, which need to be addressed to ensure continued trust and satisfaction within the school community.

Strengths

• High expectations for all pupils.
• Individualised therapeutic approach embedded in the curriculum.
• Strong focus on reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Effective pastoral support and positive adult relationships.
• Enrichment opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and various extracurricular activities.
• Impartial careers guidance preparing pupils for future employment.

Areas for Improvement

• Some pupils are over reliant on adult support, hindering their progress.
• Communication with parents requires strengthening.

In 2024–25 pupils at Victoria Education Centre attended 83.1% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 50.0% 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 Victoria Education Centre 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 Victoria Education Centre had 133 pupils, 99.2% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 98.6%).

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 non-maintained special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Poole · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority: places and applications

What is Victoria Education Centre's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Victoria Education Centre is Good, from an inspection in December 2024.

When was Victoria Education Centre last inspected by Ofsted?

Victoria Education Centre was last inspected in December 2024.

How many pupils does Victoria Education Centre have?

Victoria Education Centre has 133 pupils on roll.

What age range does Victoria Education Centre cover?

Victoria Education Centre for pupils aged 3 to 19.

Where is Victoria Education Centre?

Victoria Education Centre is at 12 Lindsay Road, Branksome Park, Poole, Dorset, BH13 6AS.