New Focus Education

New Focus Education is a newly registered independent special school for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, typically social, emotional and mental health needs. All current pupils have an education, health and care plan, and most have joined very recently after being out of education for some time. This was the school's first standard inspection. Safeguarding standards are met, and the school is effective at re-engaging pupils: attendance improves considerably from very low starting points, behaviour is generally good, and pupils build warm relationships with staff and begin to feel safe and confident. However, several important areas need attention. Pupils' progress through the curriculum is too variable, and the school does not consistently address gaps in basic reading, writing, spelling and mathematics. The curriculum is not adapted well enough to meet pupils' needs, teaching does not check understanding or extend learning consistently, and there is too much reliance on tests and assessments as teaching activities. Systems for identifying and meeting pupils' SEND needs lack precision, academic expectations are sometimes too low, and the relationships and sex education policy does not meet statutory guidance. Leadership oversight and quality assurance are not rigorous enough, and some independent school standards are not met in the quality of education and leadership and management. Leaders have a clear ambition and an accurate view of what needs to change, and they are building stronger relationships with parents and carers. Most improvement actions, however, are new or not yet in place. The school must strengthen its SEND identification and review processes, adapt the curriculum to close learning gaps, make teaching more rigorous, improve RSE and staff training, and establish more effective proprietor oversight so that all independent school standards are met consistently.

Strengths

• Safeguarding standards are met, with an open and positive culture.
• Pupils' attendance improves considerably from extremely low starting points.
• Pupils generally behave well, are polite and courteous, and are positive role models for one another.
• Staff sensitively take pupils' social, emotional and mental health needs into account.
• Pupils feel safe, build friendships, and develop confidence and self-esteem.
• Pastoral support is a strength and helps pupils develop social skills and a strong sense of right and wrong.
• Pupils make gains in attendance, engagement with learning and relationships with others.
• The school provides careers advice, employer visits, work experience and enrichment activities.
• Leaders are building effective relationships with parents and carers, including through a new communications log.
• Staff feel valued and the school takes staff workload and wellbeing seriously.

Areas for Improvement

• Pupils' progress through the curriculum is too variable and the quality of their work is inconsistent.
• The school does not consistently address gaps in pupils' basic reading, writing, spelling and early mathematics.
• The curriculum is not adapted well enough to meet pupils' needs or address gaps in their learning.
• Teaching does not check pupils' understanding well enough or consistently extend their knowledge and skills.
• There is too much reliance on tests and assessments as teaching activities, limiting new learning.
• Systems to identify and meet pupils' SEND needs lack precision and impact checks are not rigorous enough.
• Academic expectations are sometimes not high enough, and staff knowledge about SEND is variable.
• The relationships and sex education policy does not have sufficient regard to statutory guidance.
• PSHE and RSE teaching varies in quality, and some staff lack training to address misconceptions.
• The proprietor's oversight and quality assurance systems are not rigorous enough.
• Some independent school standards are not met in leadership, achievement, curriculum and teaching, and RSE.
• Professional development is too generic and broad, limiting its impact on provision for vulnerable pupils.
• Most improvement actions have not yet been implemented.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is New Focus Education's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for New Focus Education is Needs attention, from an inspection in June 2026.

When was New Focus Education last inspected by Ofsted?

New Focus Education was last inspected in June 2026.

How many pupils does New Focus Education have?

New Focus Education has 17 pupils on roll.

What age range does New Focus Education cover?

New Focus Education for pupils aged 6 to 16.

Where is New Focus Education?

New Focus Education is at Cottam Centre, Cottam Lane, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 1AF.