Newbridge Learning Community

Newbridge Learning Community continues to demonstrate solid performance as a good school, characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and cared for. The school has high expectations and offers a broad curriculum tailored to meet the needs of its students, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Pupils engage well in practical subjects and are supported in emotional management, leading to pride in their achievements and the school's fostering of a positive behavior culture. However, there are some areas for improvement. In a few subjects, the curriculum lacks clarity on what pupils need to learn, which can hinder the effectiveness of their education. Additionally, staff have occasionally not received adequate training and support, resulting in some pupils becoming disengaged. Addressing these areas will be essential for ensuring consistent educational outcomes for all students.

Strengths

• Students feel safe and supported in a nurturing environment.
• High expectations lead to good academic achievement.
• Broad and ambitious curriculum designed to cater for SEND.
• Strong culture of reading with a wide variety of engaging books.
• Effective strategies to improve attendance.
• Highly effective personal development program preparing students for future challenges.

Areas for Improvement

• Curriculum clarity is lacking in a small number of subjects.
• Insufficient training and support for staff in some subjects.

In 2024–25 pupils at Newbridge Learning Community attended 70.8% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 63.6% 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, 18.4% of pupils at Newbridge Learning Community 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 Newbridge Learning Community had 7.0 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 15.4% 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 Newbridge Learning Community had 83 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health.

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 Newbridge Learning Community received £40,738 and spent £38,364 for each of its 83 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £348,000 (£4,199 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).

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• Secondary Schools

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What is Newbridge Learning Community's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Newbridge Learning Community is Good, from an inspection in May 2024.

When was Newbridge Learning Community last inspected by Ofsted?

Newbridge Learning Community was last inspected in May 2024.

How many pupils does Newbridge Learning Community have?

Newbridge Learning Community has 83 pupils on roll.

What age range does Newbridge Learning Community cover?

Newbridge Learning Community for pupils aged 11 to 16.

What are Newbridge Learning Community's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 16.3, and 0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Newbridge Learning Community?

Newbridge Learning Community is at Moss Lane, Platt Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire, WN2 3TL.