Northern House Academy

Northern House Academy, part of The Gallery Trust, has undergone a remarkable transformation under new leadership, leading to outstanding performance across all areas. The school's holistic approach prioritizes social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils feel both safe and engaged in their learning. Parents have described the school as 'life changing' for their children, highlighting the supportive atmosphere and strong relationships between staff and pupils.

Strengths

• Exceptional understanding of pupils' SEMH needs
• Holistic and ambitious curriculum
• Engaging and meticulously organized academic lessons
• Strong sense of community and belonging among pupils
• Effective use of enrichment activities to enhance educational experiences
• High-quality professional development for staff

In 2024–25 pupils at Northern House Academy attended 90.9% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 23.3% 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 Northern House 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 Northern House Academy had 6.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 7.8% 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 Northern House Academy had 93 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; autistic spectrum disorder.

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 Northern House Academy received £32,071 and spent £32,958 for each of its 85 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £355,000 (£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 Oxford · Oxfordshire local authority: places and applications

Northern House Academy is part of The Gallery Trust, which runs 7 schools. The nearest others:

• The Iffley Academy Oxford
• Orion Academy Oxford
• Mabel Prichard School Oxford
• Springfield School Witney
• Bardwell School Bicester
• Bloxham Grove Academy Banbury

What is Northern House Academy's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Northern House Academy is Outstanding, from an inspection in July 2024.

When was Northern House Academy last inspected by Ofsted?

Northern House Academy was last inspected in July 2024.

How many pupils does Northern House Academy have?

Northern House Academy has 93 pupils on roll.

What age range does Northern House Academy cover?

Northern House Academy for pupils aged 5 to 11.

What are Northern House Academy's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is Northern House Academy?

Northern House Academy is at South Parade, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 7JN.