Dukes Wood School
Main Street, Kirklington, Newark, Kirklington, NG22 8NBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Dukes Wood School is a special school in Kirklington for ages 9 to 17. It is one of the 364 schools in Nottinghamshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in June 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 20 June 2023, report published 17 July 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 30 June 2026
Pupils develop a deep sense of belonging at Wings School, Notts. They appreciate the care and kindness that staff show for them and are confident that they are known and accepted by others. Many pupils have struggled to engage in education in the past and may have been out of school for some time. Now, they describe how their attitudes to school are changing because they feel well supported to overcome their personal challenges. They feel safe in school and routinely identify that their relationships with staff are the best thing about the school. This is because they have absolute confidence that staff will help them whatever the problem is. This sense of security begins from the moment pupils arrive at school in the morning. Staff welcome them on site and over breakfast, take time to talk about any worries or concerns they may have. Staff respond sensitively to this information and use it to shape pupils’ days. Pupils also learn to manage their feelings and increasingly take responsibility for their actions. They recognise when they need to take a short break from their lessons to stay calm, such as a walk or a visit to the school’s llamas. Pupils use this privilege sensibly and promptly return to their learning activities. Pupils develop the personal skills they need to work and socialise with others. As their confidence and resilience improve, they are more able to cope with the demands of the school day and form positive relationships with their peers. Typically, the school day is calm because pupils behave well. This means that pupils can get on with their learning without distraction. As a result of the school’s work pupils learn to value their education and are excited about the potential their futures hold.
What the school should improve
- The school should continue to review and adapt the curriculum to ensure that it provides pupils with the skills and knowledge they need for the next stage in their education.
- Leaders should ensure that staff have the skills they need to effectively engage pupils in their learning.
- Leaders should continue to check that the school’s approach for improving attendance impacts positively on pupils who have the lowest attendance.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
6 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
49 pupils on roll, with places for 60
Schools near Dukes Wood School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dawn House School | 6 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 3.1 |
| Pollyteach Limited | 8 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 7.2 |
| Horizons Academy | 8 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| Fountaindale School | 8 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| APTCOO - A Place to Call Our Own | 9 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Other independent special school
- Sector
- Independent
- Age range
- 9 to 17
- Gender
- Mixed
- Boarding places
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Ms Frances Rhodes
- Phone
- 01636817430
- Address
- Main Street, Kirklington, Newark, Kirklington, NG22 8NB
- Local authority
- Nottinghamshire
- URN
- 136039
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.