New Horizons Learning Centre

New Horizons Learning Centre provides a supportive environment specifically aimed at addressing the social, emotional, and mental health needs of its pupils. Many students have transitioned from mainstream schools where they faced challenges, often thriving once they receive the tailored support the school offers. Parents commend the school for its dedication to understanding individual pupil needs and equipping them for future successes. While the overall performance is rated as good, the emphasis on personal development stands out as a remarkable strength, helping most students move towards further education or work placements effectively.

Strengths

• Staff are highly dedicated to understanding and supporting pupils' individual needs.
• The school has a cohesive team focused on positive behaviour management.
• A systematic phonics curriculum has been implemented for early reading skills.
• The personal development programme, including PSHE, is exceptionally effective.
• Parents express high satisfaction with the transformation in their children's attitudes.

Areas for Improvement

• The curriculum does not clearly outline vital components for all subjects.
• Development of the reading curriculum beyond phonics is not well established.

In 2024–25 pupils at New Horizons Learning Centre attended 77.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 50.7% 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, 24.3% of pupils at New Horizons Learning Centre 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 New Horizons Learning Centre had 4.8 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 16.0% 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 New Horizons Learning Centre had 75 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 New Horizons Learning Centre received £37,877 and spent £41,939 for each of its 75 pupils. It ended the year with a deficit of £835,000 (-£11,132 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 Bristol · South Gloucestershire local authority: places and applications

What is New Horizons Learning Centre's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for New Horizons Learning Centre is Good, from an inspection in April 2024.

When was New Horizons Learning Centre last inspected by Ofsted?

New Horizons Learning Centre was last inspected in April 2024.

How many pupils does New Horizons Learning Centre have?

New Horizons Learning Centre has 75 pupils on roll.

What age range does New Horizons Learning Centre cover?

New Horizons Learning Centre for pupils aged 5 to 16.

What are New Horizons Learning Centre's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is New Horizons Learning Centre?

New Horizons Learning Centre is at Mulberry Drive, Kingswood, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS15 4EA.