The St Francis Special School, Lincoln

The St Francis Special School in Lincoln continues to excel in providing a supportive and inclusive environment for pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties. The school's commitment to personalization in education, high expectations, and fostering a love for learning contributes significantly to pupils' happiness and safety. During the inspection, it was noted that behavior is exemplary and that pupils actively engage in school life, showcasing respect and kindness as core values. The positive feedback from parents highlights the exceptional care and dedication of the staff, confirming the school's outstanding status since its last inspection in 2011.

Strengths

• Pupils learn in a calm and inclusive environment.
• Staff have high expectations and provide personalized support.
• Exemplary pupil behavior and positive engagement with learning.
• Effective teaching that adapts to pupils' individual needs.
• Strong focus on personal development and social skills.
• Parents appreciate the exceptional support and care provided.

In 2024–25 pupils at The St Francis Special School, Lincoln attended 85.5% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 37.3% 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, 0.0% of pupils at The St Francis Special School, Lincoln 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 St Francis Special School, Lincoln had 6.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 11.4% 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 St Francis Special School, Lincoln had 175 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 The St Francis Special School, Lincoln received £39,701 and spent £34,202 for each of its 174 pupils. It ended the year with a deficit of £228,000 (-£1,312 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 Lincoln · Lincolnshire local authority: places and applications

What is The St Francis Special School, Lincoln's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The St Francis Special School, Lincoln is Outstanding, from an inspection in December 2022.

When was The St Francis Special School, Lincoln last inspected by Ofsted?

The St Francis Special School, Lincoln was last inspected in December 2022.

How many pupils does The St Francis Special School, Lincoln have?

The St Francis Special School, Lincoln has 175 pupils on roll.

What age range does The St Francis Special School, Lincoln cover?

The St Francis Special School, Lincoln for pupils aged 2 to 19.

What are The St Francis Special School, Lincoln's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is The St Francis Special School, Lincoln?

The St Francis Special School, Lincoln is at Wickenby Crescent, Ermine Estate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 3TJ.