Knightsfield School

Knightsfield School continues to maintain the high standards established during its previous inspection, being deemed outstanding overall. The school's commitment to an effective auditory-oral education for deaf pupils allows them to thrive academically and socially. The curriculum is carefully structured to build knowledge systematically, with staff providing extensive support to ensure all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, succeed in their learning journeys. Furthermore, the school's positive environment fosters confidence and excellent social skills among pupils, which they develop further through various programs.

Strengths

• Pupils thrive due to the school's auditory-oral educational approach for deaf students.
• The curriculum is ambitious and well-designed, enabling pupils to learn effectively.
• Strong support ensures that students with SEND learn the curriculum successfully.
• Staff maintain high morale and are committed to ongoing professional development.
• Pupils demonstrate excellent communication skills and engage positively with their peers.

In 2024–25 pupils at Knightsfield School attended 91.3% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 25.7% 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, 1.4% of pupils at Knightsfield 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 Knightsfield School had 5.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 9.2% 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 Knightsfield School had 65 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: hearing impairment.

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 Knightsfield School received £26,616 and spent £22,041 for each of its 73 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £712,000 (£9,753 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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• Secondary Schools

All schools in Welwyn Garden City · Hertfordshire local authority: places and applications

What is Knightsfield School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Knightsfield School is Outstanding, from an inspection in December 2024.

When was Knightsfield School last inspected by Ofsted?

Knightsfield School was last inspected in December 2024.

How many pupils does Knightsfield School have?

Knightsfield School has 65 pupils on roll.

What age range does Knightsfield School cover?

Knightsfield School for pupils aged 9 to 18.

What are Knightsfield School's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 18.1, and 9% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

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

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

Where is Knightsfield School?

Knightsfield School is at Knightsfield, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 7LW.