Breakspeare School

  • Special
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 2 to 19
Ofsted judgements: Outstanding

Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley, WD5 0BUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Breakspeare School is a special school in Abbots Langley for ages 2 to 19. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in October 2024, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 1 October 2024, report published 23 October 2024

This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.

Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 October 2024

Pupils receive exceptional care. They trust that any discomfort or unease will be swiftly spotted and solved. This is because pupils' assigned staff are deeply attuned to their wants and needs. This safeguards pupils' dignity and ensures a nurturing, secure environment. Established routines and respectful relationships maintain high standards of behaviour. The daily greeting, for example, teaches pupils to use their communication strategy to politely acknowledge those around them. Getting out into the community helps pupils develop their independence. For example, they go bowling, dine in cafés or visit the library. These visits also improve their writing skills. Recently, pupils wrote a letter to a local business. They successfully requested a wheelchair ramp be installed, so all their friends could come inside. This shows how the school supports pupils to want the best for themselves and others. Students in the sixth form thrive. The carefully crafted curriculum uncovers their talents and interests. For example, they tend to gardens on and off site, inspiring some to study horticulture at college. Some students work with a local gardening business. Success stories like these are common throughout the school. Being in an environment that brings out the best in them boosts pupils' confidence and pride in their achievements.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

14 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 62 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Pupil numbers and mix

157 pupils on roll, with places for 153

Eligible for free school meals40.8%

40.8%, 14.3 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language19.7%

19.7%, 1.9 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support0%

0%, 14.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan100%

100%, 94 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Breakspeare School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Garston Manor School1 mileOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 0.7
Woodfield School3 milesOfsted judgements: Good0% met the expected standard
Watling View School4 milesOfsted: Good0% met the expected standard
Falconer School4 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 2.3
The Collett School5 milesOfsted: Good0% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community special school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
2 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Ms Merja Paakkonen
Address
Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley, WD5 0BU
Local authority
Hertfordshire
URN
117681

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.