Oakley School

Oakley School has shown significant improvement since its last inspection and continues to foster a positive and respectful learning environment. The school’s inclusive approach, supported by a ‘total communication’ philosophy, enables students to express themselves effectively and thrive academically. The curriculum is well-structured and ambitious, addressing the diverse needs of pupils, which has led to successful outcomes in terms of engagement and personal development. Parents and the community can expect the school to maintain high standards as it prepares for its next graded inspection in the near future.

Strengths

• Strong commitment to pupil welfare and development
• Inclusive and supportive communication strategies
• Tailored curriculum designed to meet diverse learning needs
• Effective use of therapies to enhance learning
• High levels of pupil engagement and satisfaction
• Extensive opportunities for extracurricular activities and personal growth
• Focused training for staff to ensure high-quality teaching
• Positive and respectful school atmosphere

In 2024–25 pupils at Oakley School attended 91.3% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 29.4% 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, 0.0% of pupils at Oakley 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 Oakley School had 6.4 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 4.6% 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 Oakley School had 224 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; speech, language and communication needs; multi-sensory impairment; 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 special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Oakley School received £28,651 and spent £30,113 for each of its 224 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £53,000 (£238 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 Tunbridge Wells · Kent local authority: places and applications

What is Oakley School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Oakley School is Good, from an inspection in November 2024.

When was Oakley School last inspected by Ofsted?

Oakley School was last inspected in November 2024.

How many pupils does Oakley School have?

Oakley School has 224 pupils on roll.

What age range does Oakley School cover?

Oakley School for pupils aged 4 to 19.

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

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

Where is Oakley School?

Oakley School is at Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4NE.