Banks House School
Bright House, 51 Wendene, Bowthorpe, Norwich, NR5 9HAOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Banks House School is a special school in Norwich for ages 13 to 19. It is one of the 453 schools in Norfolk. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in June 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 18 June 2024, report published 16 July 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 18 June 2024
Pupils receive exceptional education and care at Banks House School. Staff possess a profound understanding of pupils' complex needs. Pupils form deeply caring and supportive relationships with staff. They learn a wide range of communication methods tailored to their individual needs. This enables them to express their wants, needs and opinions effectively. This, in turn, helps staff to respond quickly to meet pupils' needs. Pupils benefit from adults' relentless drive to make sure that they are well cared for and supported to do well. The school's ambitious, child-led curriculum and well-designed physical environment are instrumental in helping pupils to thrive. Pupils are given excellent support to manage their behaviour effectively. They thoroughly enjoy using their outdoor sensory space with crunchy bark flooring, cushions and a swing to use when they need to. Pupils engage in activities that are designed to closely meet their developmental needs. Pupils enjoy exploring objects on a sensory tray, developing their curiosity with water sprinklers, choosing and listening to music or kicking a football. They know they have the option to participate in trips such as swimming or horse riding. If they choose not to, staff quickly adapt their plans and provide equally beneficial activities for them.
Pupil numbers and mix
10 pupils on roll, with places for 12
Schools near Banks House School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Future Education | 0.6 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 0.8 |
| The Parkside School, Norwich | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| Red Balloon Educational Trust-Norfolk | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| The Clare School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| Eaton Hall Specialist Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Other independent special school
- Sector
- Independent
- Age range
- 13 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Dawn Wale
- Phone
- 01603742639
- Address
- Bright House, 51 Wendene, Bowthorpe, Norwich, NR5 9HA
- Local authority
- Norfolk
- URN
- 148346
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.