The Limes School

The Limes School is a small independent special school for boys aged 11 to 18, run by Hexagon Care Services. This was a material change inspection commissioned by the Department for Education, rather than a standard graded inspection, because the school has applied to add a second premises and increase its maximum pupil number. The inspector found that the school is likely to continue meeting the independent school standards relevant to the proposed change. Leadership and management are strong, with the proprietor and other leaders having the knowledge and expertise to ensure compliance, including a clear understanding of special educational needs and/or disabilities. Safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety, risk assessment, recruitment checks and the single central record are all well organised. The school also has suitable premises, toilets, medical rooms, outdoor spaces and accessibility arrangements for both the existing and proposed sites. No weaknesses or areas requiring action were identified in relation to the material change.

Strengths

• Leaders have the expertise and systems to ensure ongoing compliance with independent school standards.
• Leaders show strong understanding of pupils' special educational needs and/or disabilities and take decisive action to keep them safe.
• Safeguarding policy and training are robust, with additional training for safeguarding leads and careful planning for the new site and larger pupil numbers.
• Health and safety, fire safety and first-aid arrangements are well managed, with regular checks and swift action on defects.
• Risk assessments are precise, regularly reviewed and tailored to pupils' individual needs and vulnerabilities.
• Recruitment checks are thorough and accurately recorded on the single central record, including checks for the proprietor body.
• The existing and proposed premises are well maintained, with appropriate toilets, washing facilities, medical rooms and therapy spaces.
• Classroom lighting and acoustics support a positive learning environment, and outdoor spaces are suitable for recreation and physical education.
• A suitable accessibility plan is in place and reviewed regularly.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is The Limes School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Limes School is Good, from an inspection in June 2026.

When was The Limes School last inspected by Ofsted?

The Limes School was last inspected in June 2026.

How many pupils does The Limes School have?

The Limes School has 4 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Limes School cover?

The Limes School for pupils aged 11 to 18.

Where is The Limes School?

The Limes School is at 73A Taunton Road, Ashton under Lyne, Gtr Manchester, Preston, Lancashire, OL7 9DU.