Barndale School

Barndale House School has shown a marked improvement since its previous inspection, achieving a 'Good' overall effectiveness rating. The school is characterized by a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and are encouraged to engage in learning. High ambitions for students are reflected in the broad and carefully planned curriculum that caters to the varied needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The leadership plays a crucial role in fostering teamwork among staff and ensuring effective support for pupil development, providing a strong community atmosphere within the school.

Strengths

• Effective support for pupils' individual learning needs.
• Engaging curriculum that helps students prepare for future opportunities.
• Well-managed behaviour encouraging positive social interactions.
• Strong focus on personal, social, and health education.
• Staff feel valued and supported in their professional development.

Areas for Improvement

• Assessment in some subjects not aligned with intended curriculum outcomes.

In 2024–25 pupils at Barndale School attended 89.9% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 35.3% 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, 5.6% of pupils at Barndale 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 Barndale School had 7.9 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 8.3% 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 Barndale School had 110 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 Barndale School received £25,994 and spent £28,095 for each of its 110 pupils. It ended the year with a deficit of £129,000 (-£1,171 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 Alnwick · Northumberland local authority: places and applications

What is Barndale School's Ofsted rating?

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

When was Barndale School last inspected by Ofsted?

Barndale School was last inspected in June 2024.

How many pupils does Barndale School have?

Barndale School has 110 pupils on roll.

What age range does Barndale School cover?

Barndale School for pupils aged 4 to 19.

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

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

Where is Barndale School?

Barndale School is at Howling Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1DQ.