Pollyteach Limited

Pollyteach Limited is a small independent special school for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and high anxiety. Many pupils have previously attended school irregularly or not at all, so they arrive with significant gaps in their education. At the July 2026 inspection, the school met the independent school standards and safeguarding requirements, and inspectors judged it to be performing at the expected standard across achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing. A new leadership team was established at the start of the school year. The school's main strengths lie in its caring, inclusive culture and its success in helping pupils re-engage with education. Pupils make steady progress, develop confidence and social skills, and are well prepared for further study, work and adulthood. Attendance improves significantly from a low base for most pupils, behaviour is calm and positive, and the curriculum is broad and ambitious, particularly in English, mathematics and science. Staff know pupils well, use specialised training effectively, and provide strong pastoral and additional support. Leaders, governors and the proprietor work closely together with high expectations, and parents are positive about the school. Inspectors identified several areas for further development. The key knowledge pupils need to learn is not identified with the same precision across all subjects as it is in the core subjects. Assessment information is not always used urgently enough to close gaps in learning and accelerate progress. Pupils also have a less secure understanding of fundamental British values, other faiths and religions, and some aspects of the personal, social and health education curriculum. The school continues to work on improving attendance for pupils with the lowest attendance.

Strengths

• Pupils make steady progress from their starting points and close gaps in their learning.
• Pupils develop confidence, resilience, social skills and the ability to manage their feelings.
• Pupils are well prepared for the next stage in education, employment and independent living.
• Attendance improves significantly from a low base for most pupils.
• Leaders have established a positive behaviour culture that staff model successfully.
• Pupils behave well in lessons, show respect and enjoy calm, happy social times.
• The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with particularly strong planning in English, mathematics and science.
• Teachers deliver the curriculum skilfully and help pupils connect new learning with prior knowledge.
• Inclusion is strong, with well-informed targets and well-chosen additional support for pupils with SEND.
• The school provides a welcoming, calm and comfortable environment where pupils feel safe and cared for.
• Leaders have high expectations of pupils and staff and a clear strategic approach to improvement.
• Governance and proprietor oversight are effective and focused on pupils' best interests.
• Personal development and wellbeing are central, including strong work-related learning and careers support.
• Pupils benefit from daily activities that develop talents and interests.

Areas for Improvement

• Key knowledge is not identified with the same precision across all subjects as it is in core subjects.
• Assessment information is not always used effectively enough to close gaps in pupils' knowledge with urgency or accelerate learning.
• Pupils' understanding of fundamental British values and knowledge of other faiths and religions is less secure.
• Pupils' understanding of some aspects of the personal, social and health education curriculum is not deep enough.
• The school continues to need determined work to improve attendance for pupils with the lowest attendance.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Mansfield · Nottinghamshire local authority: places and applications

What is Pollyteach Limited's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Pollyteach Limited is Expected standard, from an inspection in September 2026.

When was Pollyteach Limited last inspected by Ofsted?

Pollyteach Limited was last inspected in September 2026.

How many pupils does Pollyteach Limited have?

Pollyteach Limited has 10 pupils on roll.

What age range does Pollyteach Limited cover?

Pollyteach Limited for pupils aged 8 to 16.

What are Pollyteach Limited's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 6.3, and 2% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Pollyteach Limited?

Pollyteach Limited is at The Elms, Portland College, Nottingham Road, Mansfield, NG18 4TJ.