Willow View School

Willow View School is a small independent school where almost all pupils have an education, health and care plan, and many have previously disengaged from education or have social, emotional and mental health needs. Inspectors found the school performing strongly overall: safeguarding standards are met, all independent school standards are met, attendance and behaviour are exceptional, and the other evaluation areas are strong. Leaders have created a calm, values-led and family-like ethos in which pupils feel safe, valued and listened to, and pupils' attendance and behaviour improve dramatically. Pupils make considerable and often rapid progress from low starting points, including in reading, writing and mathematics, with some moving on to GCSEs. The curriculum is broad, well structured and adapted skilfully for disadvantaged pupils, those known to social care and pupils with additional needs. Inclusion, personal development and careers education are also strong, with bespoke support, on-site therapy, enrichment activities, work experience and life-skills preparation. Leadership and governance are strong, staff wellbeing is prioritised, and parents and carers are highly positive about the support they receive. The main area for development is the humanities curriculum in key stages 2 and 3, which is effective but less precise than elsewhere, so pupils do not gain the same depth and richness of knowledge as in other subjects. The school has also applied to change its premises and increase pupil numbers from 30 to 45; inspectors found it likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if that change is approved.

Strengths

• Attendance support is tenacious, sensitive and highly personalised, leading to dramatic improvements for most pupils.
• Pupils' behaviour is transformed through a values-led approach rooted in respect, manners and cooperation.
• Pupils feel safe, valued and part of a strong family ethos.
• Bullying and harmful behaviours are extremely rare, and minor concerns are resolved swiftly and rigorously.
• Pupils make considerable and sustained progress from low starting points, including those previously persistently absent.
• The curriculum builds strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics and is well structured and progressive.
• Teachers check pupils' understanding closely and adapt learning to meet their next steps.
• Inclusion systems identify pupils' academic and personal needs precisely and are reviewed frequently.
• Disadvantaged pupils and those facing multiple vulnerabilities receive a bespoke, well-assessed offer.
• Personal development is broad and effective, developing pupils' character, confidence and wellbeing.
• Careers education, work experience and life-skills lessons prepare pupils well for adulthood.
• Leadership and governance provide clear strategic oversight and maintain compliance well over time.
• Staff wellbeing is prioritised, and staff value investment in their development.
• Safeguarding arrangements are robust and meet statutory requirements.
• The school engages very well with parents, carers and other professionals.
• The proposed new site is suitable and well planned to support pupils' academic and personal development.

Areas for Improvement

• The humanities curriculum in key stages 2 and 3 is not as precise as it is elsewhere, so pupils do not gain the same richness and depth of knowledge as in other subjects.

In 2025–26, 3.3% of pupils at Willow View School were on SEN support (nationally 18.4%) and 96.7% 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
• Secondary Schools

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What is Willow View School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Willow View School is Strong standard, from an inspection in September 2026.

When was Willow View School last inspected by Ofsted?

Willow View School was last inspected in September 2026.

How many pupils does Willow View School have?

Willow View School has 30 pupils on roll.

What age range does Willow View School cover?

Willow View School for pupils aged 6 to 18.

Where is Willow View School?

Willow View School is at Fisherfield Farm, Hargate Avenue, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 6BT.