Yewstock School

Yewstock School continues to be recognized as an outstanding school, fostering an environment where pupils thrive and excel. The school's commitment to individual care and teaching allows for an exceptional atmosphere that mitigates pupil anxiety, enabling them to achieve excellent academic and personal outcomes. Notably, the school's culture emphasizes independence and prepares pupils thoroughly for adulthood through outstanding careers guidance and varied extracurricular opportunities. Parents express high satisfaction with the support and education their children receive, underscoring the school's community-driven approach. Pupils benefit from a rich and diverse curriculum that is tailored to their unique needs, helping them gain essential life skills and knowledge. The staff's deep understanding of their students and effective assessment practices contribute to pupils' success. Comprehensive support further extends to personal development, where pupils learn to navigate social relationships and embrace diversity. With strong governance and a focus on well-being for both pupils and staff, the school remains dedicated to maintaining its high standards of education and care, further solidifying its outstanding status since the previous inspection in 2017.

Strengths

• Outstanding relationships between staff and pupils
• Exceptional behavior and a calm, purposeful atmosphere
• Outstanding care and teaching that meets individual needs
• High-quality curriculum that prepares pupils for adulthood
• Effective careers guidance and work placements
• Strong emphasis on personal development and social skills
• High levels of independence among pupils

In 2024–25 pupils at Yewstock School attended 92.1% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 18.5% 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, 0.6% of pupils at Yewstock 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 Yewstock School had 6.9 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 7.5% 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 Yewstock School had 167 pupils, 100.0% 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; hearing impairment; vision impairment; multi-sensory impairment; 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 Yewstock School received £30,100 and spent £27,702 for each of its 167 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £881,000 (£5,276 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 Sturminster Newton · Dorset local authority: places and applications

What is Yewstock School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Yewstock School is Outstanding, from an inspection in May 2023.

When was Yewstock School last inspected by Ofsted?

Yewstock School was last inspected in May 2023.

How many pupils does Yewstock School have?

Yewstock School has 167 pupils on roll.

What age range does Yewstock School cover?

Yewstock School for pupils aged 2 to 19.

What are Yewstock School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Yewstock School?

Yewstock School is at Honeymead Lane, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1EW.