Oswaldtwistle White Ash School

Oswaldtwistle White Ash School continues to perform exceptionally well, having maintained the high standards identified in its previous inspection. The school excels in providing a nurturing environment where the needs of each pupil are prioritized, particularly for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils demonstrate remarkable progress and resilience in their learning, supported by strong relationships with caring staff who are deeply committed to their students' success.

Strengths

• Staff prioritize the needs of each pupil in a nurturing environment.
• Pupils make astonishing progress from their individual starting points.
• The school provides a broad and ambitious curriculum that promotes important knowledge and skills.
• Exceptional focus on developing pupils' communication and life skills.
• High levels of pupil attendance and effective measures to improve it where necessary.
• Strong emphasis on promoting pupils' wider development and healthy living habits.
• Staff demonstrate high subject knowledge and deliver the curriculum skillfully.

In 2024–25 pupils at Oswaldtwistle White Ash School attended 89.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 36.9% 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 Oswaldtwistle White Ash 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 Oswaldtwistle White Ash School had 8.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 23.1% 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 Oswaldtwistle White Ash School had 118 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 Oswaldtwistle White Ash School received £33,542 and spent £33,836 for each of its 118 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £294,000 (£2,494 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 Oswaldtwistle White Ash School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Oswaldtwistle White Ash School is Outstanding, from an inspection in May 2025.

When was Oswaldtwistle White Ash School last inspected by Ofsted?

Oswaldtwistle White Ash School was last inspected in May 2025.

How many pupils does Oswaldtwistle White Ash School have?

Oswaldtwistle White Ash School has 118 pupils on roll.

What age range does Oswaldtwistle White Ash School cover?

Oswaldtwistle White Ash School for pupils aged 2 to 11.

What are Oswaldtwistle White Ash School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Oswaldtwistle White Ash School?

Oswaldtwistle White Ash School is at Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 4QG.