Breckenbrough School

Breckenbrough School has made significant improvements since its last inspection, moving from a grade of Requires Improvement to Good in overall effectiveness. The school creates a calm and nurturing environment that promotes strong relationships between pupils and staff, allowing for both social and academic growth. Personal development is prioritized, with a focus on independence, teamwork, and adventurous outdoor education, enhancing pupils' character traits. The academic curriculum is increasingly effective, leading many students to achieve success, including placements at prestigious universities.

Strengths

• Strong progress in social skills among pupils.
• Positive relationships between pupils and teachers.
• Effective support for reading development.
• High priority on personal development and independence.
• Cohesive staff team focused on meeting pupil needs.
• Effective outdoor education curriculum.

Areas for Improvement

• Assessment not closely matched to curriculum in some subjects.
• Curriculums in primary and secondary phases lack effective linkage.

In 2024–25 pupils at Breckenbrough School attended 88.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 30.5% 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, 8.3% of pupils at Breckenbrough 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 Breckenbrough School had 71 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 98.6%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health; 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 non-maintained special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Thirsk · North Yorkshire local authority: places and applications

What is Breckenbrough School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Breckenbrough School is Good, from an inspection in June 2024.

When was Breckenbrough School last inspected by Ofsted?

Breckenbrough School was last inspected in June 2024.

How many pupils does Breckenbrough School have?

Breckenbrough School has 71 pupils on roll.

What age range does Breckenbrough School cover?

Breckenbrough School for pupils aged 9 to 19.

Where is Breckenbrough School?

Breckenbrough School is at Sandhutton, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4EN.