Heathlands School

Heathlands School continues to excel as an outstanding institution, characterized by an inclusive and high-expectations climate that benefits all pupils, including those with additional special educational needs. The strong sense of community is evident, as pupils demonstrate respect and engagement with their learning while feeling safe and supported. The school's focus on communication through British Sign Language helps facilitate both academic and social development, producing exceptional results across a variety of subjects and qualifications.

Strengths

• Strong inclusive ethos promoting high expectations for all pupils.
• Highly effective implementation of a challenging curriculum.
• Staff possess specialist qualifications in teaching deaf pupils.
• Personalized learning programs tailored to individual needs.
• Pupils demonstrate exemplary behaviour and are actively involved in shaping conduct expectations.
• Effective safeguarding arrangements with strong external agency collaboration.
• Strong relationships between staff and pupils enhance the learning environment.

In 2024–25 pupils at Heathlands School attended 92.1% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 17.6% 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, 3.9% of pupils at Heathlands 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 Heathlands School had 4.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 15.0% 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 Heathlands School had 150 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: hearing impairment.

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 Heathlands School received £34,911 and spent £34,304 for each of its 148 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £1,458,000 (£9,888 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 St Albans · Hertfordshire local authority: places and applications

What is Heathlands School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Heathlands School is Outstanding, from an inspection in March 2023.

When was Heathlands School last inspected by Ofsted?

Heathlands School was last inspected in March 2023.

How many pupils does Heathlands School have?

Heathlands School has 150 pupils on roll.

What age range does Heathlands School cover?

Heathlands School for pupils aged 3 to 18.

What are Heathlands School's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 30.3, and 25% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

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

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

Where is Heathlands School?

Heathlands School is at Heathlands Drive, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 5AY.