New Forest School

New Forest School is an independent special school for pupils aged 7 to 18, all of whom have EHC plans and diagnoses of autism or social, emotional and/or mental health needs, and many of whom are looked after by a local authority. This was a material change inspection commissioned by the DfE to consider the school's proposal to increase its maximum pupil numbers across its four main sites and farm. Inspectors found that the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the change is implemented, with no concerns identified across leadership, safeguarding, welfare, health and safety, staff suitability, or premises. The school's leadership, governance and proprietor have robust systems in place to maintain compliance with the independent school standards, and the proposed increase is well reasoned, carefully planned and supported by sufficient accommodation, staffing and facilities. Safeguarding is a clear strength, with a positive culture, well-trained staff, secure recording and escalation systems, and strong supervision. Pupils are described as happy, confident, safe and ready to learn. The premises are well maintained and well resourced, including specialist learning spaces, breakout rooms, therapy and medical facilities, outdoor learning areas, a farm and woodland. The school plans to keep class groups to a maximum of four pupils, with a qualified teacher and teaching assistant, and existing staff-to-pupil ratios often exceed the expected two adults to four pupils. Leaders intend to increase numbers slowly to minimise disruption and maintain a nurturing, high-quality education.

Strengths

• Strong leadership and governance with clear, robust systems to meet the independent school standards
• Well-qualified senior and site leaders, including suitably qualified safeguarding leads across all sites
• Clear and well-considered rationale for increasing pupil numbers to meet local need for special school places
• Sufficient accommodation, facilities and staffing already in place to support the proposed increase
• Positive safeguarding culture with up-to-date policies, regular training and secure concern-recording systems
• High levels of pupil supervision, with staff-to-pupil ratios often exceeding two adults to four pupils
• Robust health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment arrangements
• Thorough safer recruitment and a suitable single central record of checks
• Well-maintained, well-decorated and well-resourced premises across all sites
• Specialist learning spaces, therapy and medical rooms, outdoor learning centre, farm and woodland
• Strong pastoral and therapeutic support for pupils
• Pupils are happy, confident, feel safe and are keen to learn

In 2025–26, 0.0% of pupils at New Forest School were on SEN support (nationally 18.4%) and 100.0% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 7.9%).

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 independent school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is New Forest School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for New Forest School is Outstanding, from an inspection in August 2026.

When was New Forest School last inspected by Ofsted?

New Forest School was last inspected in August 2026.

How many pupils does New Forest School have?

New Forest School has 110 pupils on roll.

What age range does New Forest School cover?

New Forest School for pupils aged 7 to 18.

What are New Forest School's GCSE results?

In 2023 its average Attainment 8 score was 11.7, and 8% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is New Forest School?

New Forest School is at Fawley Road, Fawley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1FJ.