The Dales School

The Dales School continues to perform at an outstanding level, providing exceptional education and care for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). With a well-structured 'woven curriculum,' the school adeptly meets the unique challenges faced by its diverse student body. Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment where pupils thrive both academically and socially. The positive impact of the school is evident in pupils' enthusiasm for learning and their significant progress in communication and literacy skills.

Strengths

• Exceptional care and support for pupils' emotional and behavioral needs.
• Ambitious and well-tailored curriculum that meets individual needs.
• Strong emphasis on communication and literacy development.
• High levels of pupil engagement and enthusiasm for learning.
• Effective partnerships with parents leading to positive feedback.
• Focus on personal development integrated within academic learning.
• Skilled staff provide high-quality training and support for one another.

In 2024–25 pupils at The Dales School attended 92.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 19.7% 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, 2.4% of pupils at The Dales 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 The Dales School had 6.8 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 11.2% 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 Dales School had 236 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: 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 Dales School received £26,243 and spent £26,780 for each of its 236 pupils. It ended the year with a deficit of £105,000 (-£447 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 Blyth · Northumberland local authority: places and applications

What is The Dales School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Dales School is Outstanding, from an inspection in March 2024.

When was The Dales School last inspected by Ofsted?

The Dales School was last inspected in March 2024.

How many pupils does The Dales School have?

The Dales School has 236 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Dales School cover?

The Dales School for pupils aged 4 to 11.

What are The Dales School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is The Dales School?

The Dales School is at Cowpen Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RE.