Oak Lodge School

Oak Lodge School continues to demonstrate good performance. The supportive environment, characterized by strong relationships between staff and pupils, enables students to thrive personally and academically. The curriculum is well-structured, and there is a strong focus on reading, which contributes positively to pupils' confidence and engagement. Nevertheless, there are areas for improvement in how some subjects, particularly science and art, outline the specific knowledge needed for students to enhance their understanding of concepts. This inspection marks the first ungraded evaluation since the school was last deemed good in December 2017, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strengths

• Caring and supportive staff who understand individual pupil needs.
• Positive relationships between staff and pupils.
• Well-structured curriculum that prepares pupils for adult life.
• Effective reading programme that builds confidence in pupils.
• Comprehensive personal development programme with a variety of enrichment opportunities.
• Strong safeguarding culture with effective training for staff.

Areas for Improvement

• In some subjects, knowledge is not identified precisely enough to support understanding.

In 2024–25 pupils at Oak Lodge School attended 88.7% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 29.3% 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, 6.7% of pupils at Oak Lodge 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 Oak Lodge School had 5.9 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 6.8% 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 Oak Lodge School had 173 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

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

In 2025–26 Oak Lodge School received £23,136 and spent £23,230 for each of its 173 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £1,075,000 (£6,216 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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What is Oak Lodge School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Oak Lodge School is Good, from an inspection in May 2023.

When was Oak Lodge School last inspected by Ofsted?

Oak Lodge School was last inspected in May 2023.

How many pupils does Oak Lodge School have?

Oak Lodge School has 173 pupils on roll.

What age range does Oak Lodge School cover?

Oak Lodge School for pupils aged 11 to 16.

Where is Oak Lodge School?

Oak Lodge School is at Roman Road, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 4RQ.