The Ropemakers' Academy

The Ropemakers' Academy is performing well, achieving a 'Good' overall effectiveness rating in its first inspection since opening. The school creates a positive and nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Staff are well-trained to address anxieties and manage behaviour effectively, leading to a focused learning atmosphere. Parents appreciate the school's compassionate approach and the range of therapies offered to support pupils' needs. The curriculum is ambitious and tailored to individual student needs, facilitating good progress in learning.

Strengths

• High expectations for pupil behaviour and learning
• Effective support for pupils' emotional well-being
• A well-planned and ambitious curriculum
• Strong commitment to reading with tailored phonics support
• Positive parental feedback regarding the school's nurturing approach
• Opportunities for broader personal development through various activities

Areas for Improvement

• Regular attendance issues for some pupils in key stages 3 and 4
• Governance has overlooked monitoring of key statutory policies

In 2024–25 pupils at The Ropemakers' Academy attended 65.6% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 63.6% 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, 31.5% of pupils at The Ropemakers' 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 The Ropemakers' Academy had 9.1 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 15.4% 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 The Ropemakers' Academy had 115 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 The Ropemakers' Academy received £26,146 and spent £30,326 for each of its 111 pupils. It ended the year with a deficit of £202,000 (-£1,821 per pupil).

Across all 8 schools of The Beckmead Trust, income was £37,475 and spending £41,377 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 Hailsham · East Sussex local authority: places and applications

The Ropemakers' Academy is part of The Beckmead Trust, which runs 9 schools. The nearest others:

• The Flagship School Hastings
• Beckmead Park Academy Beckenham
• Chaffinch Brook School Croydon
• Beckmead College London
• Ian Mikardo High School London
• Wells Park School Chigwell
• The Sir Geoff Hurst Academy Chelmsford
• The Greenwell Academy Harlow

What is The Ropemakers' Academy's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Ropemakers' Academy is Good, from an inspection in September 2023.

When was The Ropemakers' Academy last inspected by Ofsted?

The Ropemakers' Academy was last inspected in September 2023.

How many pupils does The Ropemakers' Academy have?

The Ropemakers' Academy has 115 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Ropemakers' Academy cover?

The Ropemakers' Academy for pupils aged 4 to 16.

What are The Ropemakers' Academy's SATs (KS2) results?

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

Where is The Ropemakers' Academy?

The Ropemakers' Academy is at Reef Way, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1FB.