Shorefields School

Shorefields School has maintained its outstanding standards from previous inspections, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing pupils' communication and independence. The school excels in creating a supportive environment where pupils feel valued and are encouraged to engage in a variety of enriching experiences that prepare them for adulthood. Parents are appreciative of the exceptional care their children receive, and the dedicated staff work tirelessly to cater to the diverse needs of their pupils. Overall, the school showcases effective practices in special education, blending academic learning with social and emotional development.

Strengths

• Strong focus on developing communication skills for non-verbal pupils.
• High levels of pastoral care and attention to personal needs.
• Diverse and enriching curriculum interwoven with life skills and social development.
• Effective collaboration with parents and families to extend learning at home.
• Staff possess expert knowledge and demonstrate commitment to ongoing training.
• Consistent classroom routines promoting a calm learning atmosphere.
• Successful transitions for pupils through structured support and exposure to various situations.

In 2024–25 pupils at Shorefields School attended 88.7% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 36.8% 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, 0.0% of pupils at Shorefields 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 Shorefields School had 7.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 16.9% 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 Shorefields School had 177 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: severe learning difficulty; profound and multiple 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 Shorefields School received £29,764 and spent £30,564 for each of its 177 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £304,000 (£1,719 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).

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All schools in Clacton-On-Sea · Essex local authority: places and applications

What is Shorefields School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Shorefields School is Outstanding, from an inspection in December 2024.

When was Shorefields School last inspected by Ofsted?

Shorefields School was last inspected in December 2024.

How many pupils does Shorefields School have?

Shorefields School has 177 pupils on roll.

What age range does Shorefields School cover?

Shorefields School for pupils aged 3 to 19.

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

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

Where is Shorefields School?

Shorefields School is at Ogilvie House, 114 Holland Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 6HF.