Bardwell School

Bardwell School is performing strongly overall, demonstrating exceptional standards in safeguarding and educational outcomes. The school has effectively ensured that all pupils, particularly those with the most complex needs, receive tailored support that enables them to thrive academically and socially. With high levels of attendance and a calm, respectful atmosphere, pupils are well-prepared for their transition into adulthood. The leadership team maintains a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that the needs of the students are at the heart of their practices.

Strengths

• Strong leadership and governance with high expectations for pupils.
• Effective tracking of pupil progress and tailored support for individual needs.
• A well-structured curriculum that promotes communication and independence.
• Robust attendance and positive behavior management practices.
• High-quality personal development programs that prepare pupils for their future.

In 2024–25 pupils at Bardwell School attended 91.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 27.5% 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, 0.0% of pupils at Bardwell School 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 Bardwell School had 9.0 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 22.8% 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 Bardwell School had 121 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: specific learning difficulty; moderate learning difficulty; severe learning difficulty; profound and multiple learning difficulty; social, emotional and mental health; speech, language and communication needs; hearing impairment; vision impairment; multi-sensory impairment; physical disability; autistic spectrum disorder; other difficulty or disability.

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 Bardwell School received £32,423 and spent £30,715 for each of its 118 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £491,000 (£4,178 per pupil).

Across all 7 schools of The Gallery Trust, income was £32,565 and spending £30,704 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 Bicester · Oxfordshire local authority: places and applications

Bardwell School is part of The Gallery Trust, which runs 7 schools. The nearest others:

• Northern House Academy Oxford
• Bloxham Grove Academy Banbury
• The Iffley Academy Oxford
• Mabel Prichard School Oxford
• Orion Academy Oxford
• Springfield School Witney

What is Bardwell School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Bardwell School is Strong standard, from an inspection in May 2026.

When was Bardwell School last inspected by Ofsted?

Bardwell School was last inspected in May 2026.

How many pupils does Bardwell School have?

Bardwell School has 121 pupils on roll.

What age range does Bardwell School cover?

Bardwell School for pupils aged 2 to 19.

Where is Bardwell School?

Bardwell School is at Hendon Place, Sunderland Drive, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4RZ.