Westfield Arts College

Westfield Arts College continues to perform exceptionally well, being recognized as an outstanding school since its last inspection in 2011. Parents and carers highlight the supportive and family-like atmosphere fostered by staff, which significantly aids pupils in overcoming their challenges. The school cultivates high expectations, resulting in exemplary behavior among students who feel secure and engaged in their education. They are particularly well-prepared for adulthood due to a wide range of opportunities that promote independence and skill development. Furthermore, the school has successfully implemented a curriculum that not only meets the needs of its diverse student population, including those with special educational needs, but also invites continuous improvement from its leaders and staff alike.

Strengths

• Staff create a calm and productive atmosphere.
• Pupils demonstrate exemplary behavior and a strong sense of belonging.
• The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities.
• High expectations lead to outstanding pupil achievements.
• Teachers know pupils exceptionally well and adapt lessons accordingly.
• Leaders effectively support staff development and well-being.
• Strong safeguarding culture ensures pupil safety.

In 2024–25 pupils at Westfield Arts College attended 92.0% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 19.8% 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, 5.1% of pupils at Westfield Arts College 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 Westfield Arts College had 7.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 9.9% 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 Westfield Arts College had 233 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: moderate 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 Westfield Arts College received £28,338 and spent £25,011 for each of its 233 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £286,000 (£1,227 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 Weymouth · Dorset local authority: places and applications

What is Westfield Arts College's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Westfield Arts College is Outstanding, from an inspection in April 2023.

When was Westfield Arts College last inspected by Ofsted?

Westfield Arts College was last inspected in April 2023.

How many pupils does Westfield Arts College have?

Westfield Arts College has 233 pupils on roll.

What age range does Westfield Arts College cover?

Westfield Arts College for pupils aged 4 to 19.

What are Westfield Arts College's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Westfield Arts College?

Westfield Arts College is at Littlemoor Road, Preston, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6AA.