Mill School - Bury

This was a material change inspection of Mill School - Bury, an independent special school for pupils with autism and other special educational needs, all of whom have an education, health and care plan. The school applied to increase its registered capacity from 70 to 90 pupils, and inspectors found it likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if that change is implemented. The report is positive across leadership, safeguarding, health and safety, staff suitability, premises and accessibility. The proprietor, the Kedleston Group, was found to have a secure understanding of the standards and to monitor compliance thoroughly. Leaders were judged capable of managing the proposed growth, with appropriate plans to recruit additional staff and maintain safeguarding and supervision as numbers rise. The inspection found robust safeguarding arrangements, effective staff training, suitable risk assessments, compliant recruitment checks and a single central record that meets requirements. Health and safety, fire safety and online safety arrangements were appropriate, and staffing levels were sufficient for current pupils, with suitable plans for the proposed increase. The premises were furnished to a high standard, with appropriate toilets, washing and changing facilities, a medical room, good lighting and acoustics, and safe outdoor space for play and physical education. No areas of concern or underperformance were identified in the report. The only notable contextual point is that the school uses one unregistered alternative provision, but inspectors did not flag this as a compliance issue. This was the first material change inspection since the school’s standard inspection in April 2025, and the report concludes that the relevant standards are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.

Strengths

• The proprietor has a secure and thorough understanding of the independent school standards and monitors compliance continuously.
• Leaders have the knowledge and experience to run the school successfully and manage the proposed increase in pupil numbers.
• Safeguarding procedures are robust, well understood by staff and supported by regular training.
• The school communicates effectively with other professionals to keep pupils safe and well.
• Health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment arrangements are suitable and adapted for the proposed growth.
• Pupils are supervised by sufficient staff, including at breaktimes and at arrival and departure.
• The single central record meets statutory requirements and recruitment checks are appropriate.
• Premises are furnished to a high standard and include suitable toilets, washing facilities, changing and shower facilities, and a medical room.
• Accommodation is well considered, with appropriate lighting, acoustics and access to safe outdoor space.
• Online safety is supported by suitable monitoring and filtering systems.
• The accessibility plan has been revised to reflect statutory requirements and the proposed material change.

In 2025–26, 0.0% of pupils at Mill School - Bury 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.

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What is Mill School - Bury's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Mill School - Bury is Good, from an inspection in October 2026.

When was Mill School - Bury last inspected by Ofsted?

Mill School - Bury was last inspected in October 2026.

How many pupils does Mill School - Bury have?

Mill School - Bury has 65 pupils on roll.

What age range does Mill School - Bury cover?

Mill School - Bury for pupils aged 7 to 17.

What are Mill School - Bury's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 15.0, and 17% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Mill School - Bury?

Mill School - Bury is at Wellington Street, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL8 2BD.