New Barn School

New Barn School is an independent special school for pupils aged 6 to 19 who have social, emotional and mental health needs and EHC plans. This was its first progress monitoring inspection, carried out without notice in April 2026, to check progress against independent school standards previously judged unmet. The school still does not meet all of the standards checked. Parts 2 and 3 continue to be met, with safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, health and safety and risk assessment all identified as strengths. Safeguarding arrangements remain effective, pupils feel safe, and behaviour is well managed across both sites. However, the quality of education and leadership standards remain unmet. While the proprietor has revised the curriculum, ensured post-16 courses and EHC plan targets are better matched, and begun to stabilise staffing, teaching is still too inconsistent. Staff subject knowledge is not strong enough, explanations and activities often do not match the curriculum, and assessment information is not used well enough to close gaps. Some younger pupils continue to miss vital learning. The pace of improvement in the previously unmet standards has not been quick enough, and the DfE rejected the school's action plan in April 2026. A new headteacher and senior leaders show capacity to improve, but the impact of recent actions is not yet secure.

Strengths

• Safeguarding arrangements are effective and pupils feel safe and trust staff.
• Behaviour policy is implemented consistently and the atmosphere is purposeful.
• Suspensions and restrictive interventions are reducing, including on the primary site.
• Attendance and admissions records are clear and compliant.
• Health and safety and risk assessment practices are strong.
• PSHE curriculum is well sequenced and underpins daily routines.
• Pupils learn about British values and respect for others.
• The enrichment programme helps pupils pursue hobbies and interests.
• Leaders have revised the curriculum so it accounts for pupils' starting points and EHC plans.
• Post-16 students now study a suitable suite of accredited courses.
• Staff morale and confidence are improving, and reliance on temporary staff has reduced.
• Leaders provide support and protect planning and preparation time.
• Pupil risk assessments are reviewed with pupil voice.

Areas for Improvement

• Teaching remains too varied across primary and secondary sites.
• Staff subject knowledge is not strong enough to deliver the curriculum well.
• Too many lessons have poor explanations and activities that do not match the curriculum.
• Assessment information is not used effectively enough to address gaps in pupils' knowledge.
• Some younger pupils continue to miss vital learning.
• Pupils' enjoyment of learning is not consistently high.
• Curriculum is not yet taught well in all subjects.
• The pace of improvement against previously unmet standards has been too slow.
• Some independent school standards are still not met consistently.
• Recruitment issues and previous temporary appointments have hampered improvement in teaching.
• The DfE deemed the school's action plan unsatisfactory.
• Impact of recent leadership and improvement actions is not yet evident.
• Some staff vacancies remain.

In 2025–26, 0.0% of pupils at New Barn 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

All schools in Newbury · West Berkshire local authority: places and applications

What is New Barn School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for New Barn School is Inadequate, from an inspection in July 2026.

When was New Barn School last inspected by Ofsted?

New Barn School was last inspected in July 2026.

How many pupils does New Barn School have?

New Barn School has 71 pupils on roll.

What age range does New Barn School cover?

New Barn School for pupils aged 6 to 19.

Where is New Barn School?

New Barn School is at Welford, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HZ.