Apple Orchard School
| Type | Independent School / Other independent special school |
| Age Range | 11-18 |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Address | Apple Orchard School Five Oaks Road Slinfold Horsham West Sussex RH13 0RQ |
| Phone | 01403783416 |
| Reference Number | 132069 |
Apple Orchard School is a good independent special school that supports boys aged 12 to 18, most of whom have social, emotional and mental health needs. Overall, the school has made significant improvements following a period of instability, and it has a clear direction for the future. Pupils take pride in their work and enjoy a supportive environment that encourages personal development and positive relationships. The school provides a tailored curriculum that is evolving to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, preparing them well for their future pathways. However, there are noted inconsistencies in how effectively the curriculum is taught in some subjects.
General Makeup
| Number of pupils | 15 |
| Boy/Girl ratio |
Boys: 100%
Girls: 0% |
| Percentage of students eligible for free school meals | 0% |
| Percentage of students where English is not their first language | 100% |
Year Groups
| Year | Boys | Girls | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 8 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 9 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 10 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 11 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 12 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 13 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
Ethnicities
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|
| Overall Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Last Report Date | 16 Sep 2025 |
| Date | Report |
|---|---|
| 16 Sep 2025 | Standard inspection: |
| 29 Nov 2022 | Standard inspection: |
| 28 Nov 2017 | Standard inspection: |
| 12 Nov 2013 | Standard inspection: |
| 19 Oct 2010 | Standard inspection: |
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe and proud of their school.
- Strong relationships between staff and pupils foster a supportive learning environment.
- An exceptional personal development programme has a life-changing impact on pupils.
- The school successfully personalizes the curriculum to meet individual needs.
- Staff work collaboratively with home and therapy teams to provide effective support.
- High-profile reading initiatives and opportunities engage pupils in literacy.
Areas for Improvement
- In some subjects, the specific knowledge and skills needed for learning are unclear.
- There are inconsistencies in teaching effectiveness across the curriculum.
- Some lessons do not effectively check for pupils' understanding, leading to gaps in learning.
| Name | Distance |
|
Slinfold CofE Primary School and Pre School
The Street, Slinfold, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 0RR |
1.71 miles |
|
Barns Green Primary School
The Hordens, Barns Green, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 0PJ |
1.73 miles |
|
Billingshurst Primary Academy
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2.51 miles |
|
Rudgwick Primary School
Tates Way, Rudgwick, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 3HW |
2.9 miles |
|
Pennthorpe School
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2.97 miles |
|
Shelley Primary School
Wickhurst Lane, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 3LU |
3.06 miles |
|
Southwater Junior Academy
Worthing Road, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 9JH |
3.36 miles |
|
Southwater Infant Academy
Worthing Road, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 9JH |
3.42 miles |
|
Arunside School, Horsham
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3.59 miles |
|
St John's Catholic Primary School
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3.59 miles |
|
Castlewood Primary School
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3.67 miles |
|
William Penn School
Brooks Green Road, Coolham, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 8GR |
3.79 miles |
|
Wisborough Green Primary School
Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 0EE |
3.88 miles |
|
Greenway Junior School
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3.94 miles |
|
St Mary's CofE (Aided) Primary School
Normandy, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1JL |
4.04 miles |
|
Trafalgar Community Infant School
Victory Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2JF |
4.14 miles |
|
Warnham CofE Primary School
Freeman Road, Warnham, Rh12 3rq, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 3RQ |
4.28 miles |
|
Loxwood Primary School
Nicholsfield, Loxwood, Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 0SR |
4.46 miles |
|
Shipley CofE Primary School
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4.8 miles |
|
North Heath Community Primary School
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4.89 miles |
| Name | Distance |
|
Ingfield Manor School
Ingfield Manor Drive, Five Oaks, Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 9AX |
0.97 miles |
|
Muntham House School
Barns Green, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 0NJ |
1.36 miles |
|
Manor House School
Stane Street, Slinfold, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 0QX |
1.64 miles |
|
Christ's Hospital
|
2.55 miles |
|
Weald School, The
Station Road, Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 9RY |
2.65 miles |
|
New Barn School
Guildford Road, Broadbridge Heath, West Sussex, RH12 3PQ |
2.65 miles |
|
Farlington School
Strood Park, Horsham, RH12 3PN |
3.07 miles |
|
Tanbridge House School
Farthings Hill, Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1SR |
3.25 miles |
|
Rikkyo School-in-England
Guildford Road, Rudgwick, Rudgwick, West Sussex, RH12 3BE |
4.28 miles |
|
Aurora Vincent House School
Vincent House, 31 North Parade, Horsham, RH12 2DA |
4.37 miles |
|
The College of Richard Collyer In Horsham
Hurst Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2EJ |
4.49 miles |