Thriftwood School

Thriftwood School is a special school for pupils aged 5 to 19, all of whom have EHC plans. Most pupils have moderate learning disabilities, a small proportion have severe learning disabilities, and many have needs associated with autism. The school is part of the SEAX Multi-Academy Trust and operates across two sites. This graded inspection found exceptionally strong provision across the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision, with safeguarding arrangements judged effective. Pupils are described as thriving in a welcoming school where they feel safe, valued and understood. The report highlights an ambitious, carefully sequenced curriculum that blends academic content, life skills and personal development, with flexible pathways tailored to pupils’ needs and long-term goals. Staff use their deep knowledge of pupils and their EHC plans to adapt teaching and support skilfully, and therapists and mental health professionals provide high-quality guidance. Reading is taught systematically and consistently well, including phonics for pupils at early stages and age-appropriate resources in the sixth form. Behaviour is calm and positive, attendance is high, and pupils benefit from rich personal development opportunities and strong preparation for adulthood in the sixth form. Leaders know pupils and their families well, review provision carefully and make well-considered adjustments when needed. Staff feel well supported and trained, and leaders engage proactively with the wider educational community. Families and professionals praise the school’s inclusive approach and care. The report does not identify any areas for improvement.

Strengths

• Pupils feel safe, valued and understood in a welcoming school
• Ambitious, carefully sequenced curriculum meets the needs of all pupils, including those with complex needs
• Staff use EHC plans and deep knowledge of pupils to adapt support and learning effectively
• Reading is taught systematically and consistently well, including well-structured phonics
• Behaviour is calm and positive, with pupils developing self-regulation and respecting expectations
• Sixth form prepares students exceptionally well for adulthood through personalised programmes
• Personal development is rich and inclusive, with a strong PSHE and fundamentals for the future curriculum
• Attendance is high and the school works effectively with families
• Leaders know pupils well, support staff, and engage proactively with the wider educational community
• Safeguarding arrangements are effective
• Pupils access meaningful community projects, workplace experiences and roles of responsibility

In 2024–25 pupils at Thriftwood School attended 91.1% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 28.3% 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, 9.4% of pupils at Thriftwood 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 Thriftwood School had 9.4 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 13.4% 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 Thriftwood School had 279 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 Thriftwood School received £19,799 and spent £20,416 for each of its 266 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £942,000 (£3,542 per pupil).

Across all 5 schools of Seax Trust, income was £24,843 and spending £24,605 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.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Chelmsford · Essex local authority: places and applications

Thriftwood School is part of Seax Trust, which runs 5 schools. The nearest others:

• The Hawthorns School Chelmsford
• Grove House School Brentwood
• Kingswode Hoe School Colchester
• Langham Oaks Colchester

What is Thriftwood School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Thriftwood School is Outstanding, from an inspection in September 2025.

When was Thriftwood School last inspected by Ofsted?

Thriftwood School was last inspected in September 2025.

How many pupils does Thriftwood School have?

Thriftwood School has 279 pupils on roll.

What age range does Thriftwood School cover?

Thriftwood School for pupils aged 5 to 19.

What are Thriftwood School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Thriftwood School?

Thriftwood School is at Slades Lane, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8RW.