Forest Park School

Forest Park School underwent a material change inspection in June 2026 because it applied to the Department for Education to increase its maximum number of pupils. This was the school's first material change inspection relating to an increase in pupil numbers. Inspectors found that the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the change is approved. The school is an independent special school for pupils aged 11 to 17 with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including social, emotional and mental health needs, autism, speech, language and communication needs, and moderate learning difficulties. It currently has 39 full-time pupils of compulsory school age and a capacity of 40, and it uses two unregistered alternative provisions. The proprietor and leaders are suitably skilled, understand the independent school standards well, and use external professionals alongside regular checks to ensure compliance over time. Safeguarding is secure, with vigilant staff, regular and timely training, prompt handling of concerns, detailed record keeping, and clear induction for new staff. Recruitment checks and the single central record meet safer recruitment expectations. Health and safety, fire safety, risk assessment, premises, medical provision, outdoor space, and the new classrooms are all suitable for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. The planned increase in staffing is well matched to maintain current pupil-to-staff ratios. No concerns were identified in this inspection. The standards in parts 3, 4, 5 and 8 are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

Strengths

• Leadership and the proprietor have a clear and detailed understanding of the independent school standards.
• External professional assurance and regular checks help ensure standards are maintained over time.
• There is a secure culture of safeguarding with vigilant staff and regular, timely training.
• Safeguarding concerns are dealt with promptly and record keeping is detailed and clear.
• Induction processes ensure new staff, including those recruited for the proposed increase, are suitably trained.
• Recruitment checks and the single central record meet safer recruitment expectations.
• Health and safety policies and daily checks help keep pupils safe across the site.
• Fire safety is well managed, with external advice, serviced equipment, and regular drills.
• Risk assessment policy is purposeful, with clear and well-matched individual assessments.
• Toilets, drinking water, changing and shower facilities, and the medical room are sufficient for the proposed increase.
• The new classrooms are built to a high standard and suitably furnished.
• The school has large, secure, well-kept outdoor spaces and an all-weather pitch.
• The proposed increase in staff is well matched to maintain pupil-to-staff ratios.
• A suitable accessibility plan is in place.

In 2025–26, 0.0% of pupils at Forest Park 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
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Newton Aycliffe · County Durham local authority: places and applications

What is Forest Park School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Forest Park School is Good, from an inspection in June 2026.

When was Forest Park School last inspected by Ofsted?

Forest Park School was last inspected in June 2026.

How many pupils does Forest Park School have?

Forest Park School has 33 pupils on roll.

What age range does Forest Park School cover?

Forest Park School for pupils aged 11 to 17.

Where is Forest Park School?

Forest Park School is at Durham Way South, Newton Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XP.