Fitzwaryn School

  • Special
  • Academy
  • Ages 3 to 19
Ofsted: Outstanding

Denchworth Road, Wantage, OX12 9ETOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Fitzwaryn School is a special school in Wantage for ages 3 to 19. It is one of the 359 schools in Oxfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in May 2022.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 18 May 2022, report published 7 July 2022

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
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 7 July 2026

Pupils, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities, feel welcome at this school and enjoy attending often. They are valued highly in the caring school community. Leaders actively seek, listen to and respond to pupils' views. They ensure that pupils play a meaningful role in shaping school life. Pupils trust staff to support them through challenges. Parents and carers share this confidence, recognising the positive difference that the school has made. For many pupils, the school has transformed their view of education by providing them with their first genuinely positive school experience. Pupils enjoy learning and take pride in their achievements. They benefit from a rich and engaging curriculum that develops their knowledge, skills and understanding while broadening their experiences. Teaching enables pupils to develop the confidence and independence they need to succeed. Staff identify and remove barriers to learning effectively. As a result, pupils achieve well from their varied starting points. Pupils are ambitious for their futures. Leaders and staff are unwavering in their commitment to ensuring that every pupil feels valued and included in the school community. Behaviour across the school is positive, calm and respectful. Pupils are supported so they can manage their own behaviour. Staff respond quickly to provide help for pupils who need it. Pupils are confident that staff will resolve bullying effectively. This contributes to pupils' strong sense of safety and wellbeing. During social times, pupils get along harmoniously. Any conflicts are dealt with swiftly. Pupils enjoy their time in school, and this is reflected in their high attendance. Pupils take advantage of an extensive range of carefully considered wider experiences, including trips, visits and musical events. These opportunities ensure that pupils participate in a rich programme that broadens their experiences. Many complete their bronze and silver awards successfully through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme before leaving school.

What the school should improve

  • Leaders should further refine the quality of teaching to continue to enhance the impact that this has on pupils’ experiences of school.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

12 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

126 pupils on roll, with places for 108

Eligible for free school meals33.3%

33.3%, 6.8 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language4.8%

4.8%, 16.8 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 Fitzwaryn School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Huckleberry Therapeutic School0.9 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
The Unicorn School8 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 10.5
Mulberry Bush School9 milesOfsted judgements: OutstandingNot published
Kingfisher School9 milesOfsted: Good0% met the expected standard
New Barn School10 milesOfsted: InadequateNot published

School details

School type
Academy special converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
THE PROPELLER ACADEMY TRUST
Age range
3 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Mr William Harvey
Address
Denchworth Road, Wantage, OX12 9ET
Local authority
Oxfordshire
URN
139322

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.