Hamilton School

Hamilton School has demonstrated a good overall performance during its first inspection since joining the Maiden Erlegh Trust. The school has made notable strides in raising expectations for pupils' behaviour and academic performance, fostering an environment where pupils feel secure and valued. The school provides effective support and enrichment activities, contributing positively to pupils' self-esteem and engagement. Leadership has shown significant improvement over the last two years, with a strong focus on education tailored to the needs of vulnerable pupils.

Strengths

• Strong leadership and clear expectations for pupil behaviour and learning.
• Good quality support and care provided to pupils.
• Effective supervision and management of behaviour during transitions.
• Improved curriculum and heightened focus on reading skills.
• High rates of successful transitions to further education.

Areas for Improvement

• Curriculum not always well adapted to meet individual pupil needs.
• Inconsistent staff subject knowledge affecting reading instruction.

In 2024–25 pupils at Hamilton School attended 60.8% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 78.8% 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, 56.5% of pupils at Hamilton 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 Hamilton School had 5.3 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 10.0% 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 Hamilton School had 64 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health.

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 Hamilton School received £45,998 and spent £42,781 for each of its 62 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £29,000 (£471 per pupil).

Across all 8 schools of Maiden Erlegh Trust, income was £9,722 and spending £9,767 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 Reading · Reading local authority: places and applications

Hamilton School is part of Maiden Erlegh Trust, which runs 10 schools. The nearest others:

• Maiden Erlegh School in Reading Reading
• Maiden Erlegh School Reading
• River Academy Reading
• Oak Tree School Wokingham
• Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge Reading
• Great Hollands Primary School Bracknell
• Birch Hill Primary School and Nursery Bracknell Forest
• John Rankin Junior School Newbury
• John Rankin Infant and Nursery School Newbury

What is Hamilton School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Hamilton School is Good, from an inspection in June 2024.

When was Hamilton School last inspected by Ofsted?

Hamilton School was last inspected in June 2024.

How many pupils does Hamilton School have?

Hamilton School has 64 pupils on roll.

What age range does Hamilton School cover?

Hamilton School for pupils aged 11 to 18.

Where is Hamilton School?

Hamilton School is at 135 Bulmershe Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5SG.