THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL

The Secret Garden School underwent a material change inspection on 15 July 2026, commissioned by the DfE, to assess its likely compliance with independent school standards if it increases its maximum number of pupils and opens an additional site. The school, part of the Witherslack Group since September 2025, caters for pupils aged 6 to 19, all of whom have education, health and care plans, primarily with communication and interaction needs and some with social, emotional and mental health needs. Inspectors found that the school is likely to meet the relevant standards if the proposed changes are implemented. Leadership and management are strong, with the proprietor providing systematic oversight and clear structures that have maintained standards over time. Safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety, and risk assessment arrangements are effective and well matched to pupils' needs, with robust plans to maintain these as the school expands. Recruitment checks and premises are also suitable, with the proposed additional site refurbished to a high standard and well-equipped to meet pupils' needs. No significant concerns were identified; the inspection confirms the school is well prepared for the proposed growth.

Strengths

• Clear leadership structures ensure standards are maintained over time
• Proprietor has an accurate view of the effectiveness of provision through systematic evaluation
• Well-considered plans manage growth while maintaining effective provision
• Effective safeguarding arrangements well matched to pupils' needs
• Staff receive regular safeguarding training and report concerns promptly
• Accurate record-keeping and appropriate action to support pupils
• Effective health and safety systems with clear roles and responsibilities
• Appropriate priority given to fire safety with regular risk assessment reviews
• Pupils are well supervised in small groups and one-to-one support
• Staff build positive relationships with pupils and support their wellbeing
• Organised approach to risk assessment implemented consistently well
• Careful recruitment with all required pre-employment checks completed
• Accurate single central record of recruitment checks
• Suitable toilet and washing facilities and convenient access to drinking water
• Well-equipped medical room with secure medicine storage
• Proposed additional site refurbished to a high standard with dedicated therapy rooms
• Existing premises maintained to a high standard and provide a safe environment
• Classrooms provide suitable spaces with appropriate lighting and conditions
• Extensive, well-resourced outside areas support play, learning and physical development
• Accessibility plan fulfils the requirements of the Equality Act 2010

In 2025–26, 0.0% of pupils at THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL 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.

• Primary Schools
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What is THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL is Good, from an inspection in September 2026.

When was THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL last inspected by Ofsted?

THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL was last inspected in September 2026.

How many pupils does THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL have?

THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL has 66 pupils on roll.

What age range does THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL cover?

THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL for pupils aged 6 to 19.

What are THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL's GCSE results?

In 2025 its average Attainment 8 score was 20.4, and 30% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL?

THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL is at Shustoke Hall, Moat House Lane, Shustoke, Shustoke, B46 2RJ.