Thames Valley School

Thames Valley School has improved significantly since its previous inspection, now rated as good overall. The school provides a supportive and inclusive environment where pupils feel safe and are encouraged to achieve their best. Notably, the school's approach to behavior and attitudes is outstanding, leading to exemplary conduct among pupils. Despite its strengths, the school acknowledges areas for further development, particularly in certain foundation subjects and the careers education program that need refinement to ensure pupils are fully equipped for future opportunities.

Strengths

• Pupils are happy and motivated learners.
• The school has high expectations for pupil achievement.
• Pupils' behavior is exemplary and respectful.
• The therapeutic team effectively meets the specific needs of pupils with SEND.
• Personal development programs are well tailored to pupils' needs.

Areas for Improvement

• Some foundation subjects are not yet fully aligned with school ambitions.
• Careers education does not provide meaningful work experience opportunities.

In 2024–25 pupils at Thames Valley School attended 90.5% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 26.6% 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, 5.1% of pupils at Thames Valley School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). One pupil was 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 Thames Valley School had 4.0 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 33.6% 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 Thames Valley School had 78 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: autistic spectrum disorder.

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 Thames Valley School received £55,009 and spent £56,260 for each of its 59 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £713,000 (£12,087 per pupil).

Across all 3 schools of Liberty Academy Trust Ltd., income was £52,000 and spending £52,311 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 Reading · Reading local authority: places and applications

Thames Valley School is part of Liberty Academy Trust Ltd., which runs 3 schools. The nearest others:

• Vanguard School London
• Church Lawton School Stoke-On-Trent

What is Thames Valley School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Thames Valley School is Good, from an inspection in May 2024.

When was Thames Valley School last inspected by Ofsted?

Thames Valley School was last inspected in May 2024.

How many pupils does Thames Valley School have?

Thames Valley School has 78 pupils on roll.

What age range does Thames Valley School cover?

Thames Valley School for pupils aged 4 to 16.

What are Thames Valley School's GCSE results?

In 2019 its average Attainment 8 score was 16.7, and 14% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Thames Valley School?

Thames Valley School is at 2 Conwy Close, Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 4BZ.