The Waterloo School

The Waterloo School is performing effectively, maintaining the standards set in the previous inspection. Pupils feel a strong sense of pride and belonging, benefiting from a caring and supportive environment where their unique needs are recognized. The school’s approach emphasizes mental and physical well-being, providing numerous opportunities for outdoor activities that enhance students' confidence and resilience. The personalized curriculum effectively addresses the social, emotional, and mental health needs of the pupils, allowing for broad academic engagement and personal growth. However, there are occasional gaps in clarity regarding academic targets which can hinder some pupils' progress.

Strengths

• Pupils take pride in their school and feel valued as individuals.
• There is a strong emphasis on mental and physical well-being.
• The curriculum is personalized and designed to meet the specific needs of pupils.
• Pupils benefit from diverse outdoor activities that enhance their confidence.
• Staff effectively support pupils in regulating their behaviour.
• There is a robust system to celebrate pupils' achievements.
• Attendance support initiatives have proven effective.
• The learning environment is well-organized and promotes a calm atmosphere.

Areas for Improvement

• Some academic targets for pupils are not well-defined, leading to unclear next steps.

In 2024–25 pupils at The Waterloo School attended 85.6% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 40.5% 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, 14.7% of pupils at The Waterloo 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 The Waterloo School had 5.7 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 24.1% 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 The Waterloo School had 72 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health.

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 The Waterloo School received £35,871 and spent £35,828 for each of its 72 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £458,000 (£6,365 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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• Secondary Schools

All schools in Waterlooville · Hampshire local authority: places and applications

What is The Waterloo School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Waterloo School is Good, from an inspection in May 2025.

When was The Waterloo School last inspected by Ofsted?

The Waterloo School was last inspected in May 2025.

How many pupils does The Waterloo School have?

The Waterloo School has 72 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Waterloo School cover?

The Waterloo School for pupils aged 5 to 11.

What are The Waterloo School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is The Waterloo School?

The Waterloo School is at Warfield Avenue, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 7JJ.