Fern House School

Fern House School is a small SEND school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, some of whom also have autism spectrum disorder. All pupils have education, health and care plans, and the school is part of Connect Education Trust. Inspectors found safeguarding standards met. Inclusion and leadership and governance are strong: leaders, governors and trustees are ambitious and put pupils first, staff are proud and well trained, and pupils are safe, happy and nurtured in an inclusive community. Attendance is improving, and pupils make clear progress from their starting points. The quality of education, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, and personal development and wellbeing are at the expected standard. Pupils benefit from a well-considered personal development programme, strong pastoral care and careers guidance that prepares them for adulthood and independence. However, the range of qualifications and awards is sometimes not broad or ambitious enough, which can restrict some pupils' options. Gaps caused by absence are not always addressed robustly, pupils do not consistently apply phonics to spelling, and teachers' checks on understanding are not always precise enough to deepen knowledge or build independence. The next steps focus on sharper checking of pupils' knowledge so gaps close and pupils apply what they have learned with growing independence.

Strengths

• High-quality, inclusive practice with pupils' needs swiftly identified and shared.
• Strong leadership and governance with leaders, governors and trustees putting pupils first.
• Safeguarding standards are met within an open and positive culture.
• Staff are proud, valued and benefit from excellent professional development.
• Pupils are safe, happy and quickly settle into nurturing routines.
• Positive relationships between pupils and staff support behaviour and engagement.
• Pupils make clear progress from their starting points.
• A well-considered personal development programme builds independence and safety skills.
• Pastoral care and therapeutic support are strengths of the school.
• Careers guidance and a well-considered careers programme prepare pupils for next steps.
• Attendance is improving, and leaders act quickly when absence rises.
• Disadvantaged pupils are supported to access opportunities and excursions.

Areas for Improvement

• The awards and qualifications on offer are sometimes not as broad or ambitious as they could be.
• The limited range of qualifications and certificates can restrict some pupils' options.
• Pupils do not consistently apply their phonics learning to their spelling.
• Teachers' checks on pupils' understanding are not always precise enough to deepen knowledge or encourage wider participation.
• Gaps in pupils' knowledge caused by absence are not addressed as robustly as they could be.
• Staff could further prompt pupils to work more independently.
• Leaders should ensure teachers check pupils' knowledge with further precision so all gaps are addressed.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

• Highlands School
• St Anne's Catholic High School for Girls
• St Ignatius College
• Waverley School
• West Lea School

Fern House School is part of Connect Education Trust, which runs 8 schools. The nearest others:

• Chesterfield Primary School Enfield
• Carterhatch Junior School Enfield
• Delta Primary School Enfield
• Grange Park Primary School London
• Hazelbury Primary School London
• Eversley Primary School London
• Bowes Primary School London

What is Fern House School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Fern House School is Expected standard, from an inspection in June 2026.

When was Fern House School last inspected by Ofsted?

Fern House School was last inspected in June 2026.

How many pupils does Fern House School have?

Fern House School has 79 pupils on roll.

What age range does Fern House School cover?

Fern House School for pupils aged 5 to 16.

What are Fern House School's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Fern House School?

Fern House School is at Keswick Drive, Enfield, EN3 6NY.