The Ashley School

The Ashley School continues to demonstrate outstanding performance since its last inspection, with pupils thriving in a supportive and nurturing environment. Pupils feel safe and are enthusiastic about their learning, which reflects the staff's high expectations and commitment to individual success. The school excels at tailoring an ambitious and well-structured curriculum to meet the unique needs of every pupil with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they progress exceptionally well in their education and personal growth. Parents are highly positive regarding the transformative impact the school has had on their children's lives. This ungraded inspection highlights the effective leadership and professional development provided to staff, allowing them to meet the complexities of pupils' needs and to maintain a strong focus on safeguarding and well-being. Overall, the Ashley School remains a beacon of excellence in special education, with an ongoing commitment to helping pupils prepare for their futures.

Strengths

• Pupils achieve exceptionally well and feel part of a supportive community.
• The school has an ambitious curriculum tailored to individual learning needs.
• Strong careers guidance that prepares pupils for post-school life.
• Effective behaviour management promotes a calm and orderly environment.
• Staff are highly skilled and well-supported, contributing to pupils' success.

In 2024–25 pupils at The Ashley School attended 88.8% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 33.1% 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, 4.8% of pupils at The Ashley 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 The Ashley School had 7.3 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 6.2% 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 The Ashley School had 203 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: moderate learning difficulty.

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 2024–25 The Ashley School received £25,974 and spent £23,354 for each of its 189 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £442,000 (£2,339 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). Academy figures include a share of the trust's central services, shared out by pupil numbers, and are rounded to the nearest £1,000. Premises costs were defined differently from 2024, so compare them across that gap with care.

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All schools in Lowestoft · Suffolk local authority: places and applications

What is The Ashley School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Ashley School is Outstanding, from an inspection in June 2023.

When was The Ashley School last inspected by Ofsted?

The Ashley School was last inspected in June 2023.

How many pupils does The Ashley School have?

The Ashley School has 203 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Ashley School cover?

The Ashley School for pupils aged 7 to 16.

What are The Ashley School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is The Ashley School?

The Ashley School is at Ashley Downs, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 4EU.