Frank Wise School

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

Hornbeam Close, Banbury, OX16 9RLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Frank Wise School is a special school in Banbury for ages 2 to 19. It is one of the 359 schools in Oxfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in March 2015.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 4 March 2015, report published 26 March 2015

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Early years provision
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 November 2024

This is a happy place where pupils thrive. Pupils proudly describe this school as 'amazing' and 'great'. Parents and carers agree. They are overwhelmingly positive and grateful that their children flourish at this exceptional school. The nurturing environment and predictable daily routines help the youngest children settle in swiftly. Each individual is valued and understood. Adults offer an irresistible invitation to join in with learning, songs and joyful play. This sparks curiosity about the world and promotes communication and engagement. Throughout the school and in the post-16 Griffiths Centre, everyone is treated kindly. This contributes to a calm, purposeful atmosphere which permeates the school. Pupils are safe and happy. Classes are known as 'family groups'. This helps to promote a tangible sense of belonging. Pupils form respectful friendships and learn that everyone is unique. The school has high expectations for all, and they prepare pupils to be visible and valued in their communities. From a young age, pupils participate in purposeful trips outside of school. As they progress through the school, their self-esteem and sense of worth grows. They develop skills and attributes that make a difference to others, such as serving at community coffee mornings, or selling in the town the high-quality products that they have designed and made.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

10 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

119 pupils on roll, with places for 117

Eligible for free school meals37.8%

37.8%, 11.3 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language10.9%

10.9%, 10.7 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 Frank Wise School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Bloxham Grove Academy2 milesNo Ofsted inspection0% met the expected standard
Swalcliffe Park School CIO4 milesOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 13.7
Park School10 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 3.3
Napton School13 milesReport card: Expected standardNot published
Bardwell School14 milesReport card: Strong standardNot published

School details

School type
Community special school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
2 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Ms Heidi Dennison
Address
Hornbeam Close, Banbury, OX16 9RL
Local authority
Oxfordshire
URN
123332

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.