Discovery Special Academy

Discovery Special Academy is performing well, achieving a good rating across all domains during its first inspection. The school has a clear focus on meeting the unique needs of its pupils, who all have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders have designed an inclusive curriculum that supports both academic and personal development, fostering a positive and safe environment for learning. Although the school excels in many areas, leaders are aware of some ongoing challenges, particularly in ensuring consistent attendance among all pupils.

Strengths

• Well-structured curriculum pathways tailored to pupils' individual needs.
• Effective communication strategies that enhance learning.
• Strong relationships between staff and pupils, contributing to a calm school environment.
• High expectations from leaders promote an ambitious vision for all pupils.
• Robust support systems for staff and strong leadership from the headteacher and trustees.

Areas for Improvement

• Some pupils are persistently absent, impacting their learning and routine.

In 2024–25 pupils at Discovery Special Academy attended 93.2% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 19.4% 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, 0.6% of pupils at Discovery Special Academy 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 Discovery Special Academy had 7.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 10.6% 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 Discovery Special Academy had 187 pupils, 98.4% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: specific learning difficulty.

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 Discovery Special Academy received £25,425 and spent £25,967 for each of its 171 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £324,000 (£1,894 per pupil).

Across all 5 schools of Tees Valley Education, income was £12,163 and spending £12,330 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 Middlesbrough · Middlesbrough local authority: places and applications

Discovery Special Academy is part of Tees Valley Education, which runs 5 schools. The nearest others:

• Pennyman Primary Academy Middlesbrough
• Brambles Primary Academy Middlesbrough
• Wilton Primary Academy Redcar
• Dormanstown Primary Academy Redcar

What is Discovery Special Academy's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Discovery Special Academy is Good, from an inspection in March 2023.

When was Discovery Special Academy last inspected by Ofsted?

Discovery Special Academy was last inspected in March 2023.

How many pupils does Discovery Special Academy have?

Discovery Special Academy has 187 pupils on roll.

What age range does Discovery Special Academy cover?

Discovery Special Academy for pupils aged 2 to 16.

What are Discovery Special Academy's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Discovery Special Academy?

Discovery Special Academy is at Sandy Flatts Lane, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS5 7YN.