Elm Tree Community Primary School

Elm Tree Community Primary School is confirmed as an outstanding institution that excels in providing a supportive environment for pupils with complex needs, all of whom have education, health and care plans. The school has successfully adapted to an increase in student enrollment while maintaining a consistent focus on quality education. Strong relationships between staff and pupils foster a safe and nurturing atmosphere, which is crucial for the success of the students, many of whom have faced significant challenges prior to their enrollment. The school offers a stimulating and broad curriculum, intertwined with the individual targets outlined in pupils’ EHC plans. It has a strong emphasis on developing reading skills through a well-structured phonics program and engaging literature. Pupils benefit from numerous opportunities to develop social skills and confidence, both in the classroom and through community activities. Parents are supportive and praise the school for its innovative practices and dedication to pupil well-being.

Strengths

• Strong relationships between staff and pupils create a nurturing environment.
• Exceptional progress made by pupils from their starting points.
• Highly skilled staff effectively assess and respond to individual needs.
• Broad and stimulating curriculum with a clear focus on reading.
• Engagement with the local community to enhance learning experiences.
• Investments in staff development contribute to a high-quality educational environment.
• Effective governance providing robust support and challenge.

In 2024–25 pupils at Elm Tree Community Primary School attended 92.1% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 20.3% 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 Elm Tree Community Primary 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 Elm Tree Community Primary School had 6.5 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 29.2% 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 Elm Tree Community Primary School had 150 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 Elm Tree Community Primary School received £44,213 and spent £45,655 for each of its 150 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £260,000 (£1,730 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 Skelmersdale · Lancashire local authority: places and applications

What is Elm Tree Community Primary School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Elm Tree Community Primary School is Outstanding, from an inspection in December 2023.

When was Elm Tree Community Primary School last inspected by Ofsted?

Elm Tree Community Primary School was last inspected in December 2023.

How many pupils does Elm Tree Community Primary School have?

Elm Tree Community Primary School has 150 pupils on roll.

What age range does Elm Tree Community Primary School cover?

Elm Tree Community Primary School for pupils aged 4 to 11.

What are Elm Tree Community Primary School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Elm Tree Community Primary School?

Elm Tree Community Primary School is at Elmers Wood Road, Tanhouse, Elm Tree Community Primary School, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 6SA.