High Close School
Wiltshire Road, Wokingham, RG40 1TSOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
High Close School is a special school in Wokingham for ages 7 to 18. It is one of the 84 schools in Wokingham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in February 2018.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 27 February 2018, report published 19 March 2018
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 12 September 2023
Pupils speak highly of their education at High Close School. They feel accepted and cared for, and they thrive in this inclusive setting. Pupils who are new this term were seen to have settled quickly, and one told inspectors that they have already made new friends. Staff get to know pupils quickly and form strong and trusting relationships. This means that each pupil receives personalised support to help them to overcome any barriers to learning. Expectations of behaviour are high. Well-established class routines help pupils to engage and focus on their learning. Adults take a consistent approach when providing additional support to pupils who need help to manage their behaviour. Pupils are actively involved in developing strategies to help them improve their self-regulation and understand their emotions. Pupils are consistently encouraged to aim for success in their education. They understand that gaining qualifications is an important goal to work towards. This sense of purpose motivates them to persist in learning. While a range of study options are provided, leaders plan to develop this. They are keen to broaden pupils' aspirations for their post-16 education, training or employment.
What the school should improve
- Governors do not yet have clear oversight of school improvement priorities, including curriculum development. This means that actions to improve the school are not always focused clearly enough on the right priorities. Governors should urgently sharpen their monitoring processes so they can evaluate the full impact of the school's work and therefore provide the necessary challenge and support.
- The school's curriculum offer for careers education (including vocational elements) does not yet fully realise leaders' aspirations for all pupils. This means that not all pupils access a broad, well-organised, and clearly sequenced curriculum that inspires and prepares them for success in their next steps in education and/or employment. Leaders should continue to review and improve this aspect of the curriculum to ensure that it meets the needs of all pupils.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
15 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
68 pupils on roll, with places for 94
Schools near High Close School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiltern Way Academy Wokingham | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 2.5 |
| Odyssey House School | 1 mile | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| Oak Tree School | 2 miles | No Ofsted inspection | 0% met the expected standard |
| Cressex Lodge School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 8.8 |
| Hawthorn Academy | 2 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Non-maintained special school
- Sector
- Other
- Age range
- 7 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Wendy Gosling (Principal)
- Phone
- 01189785767
- Address
- Wiltshire Road, Wokingham, RG40 1TS
- Local authority
- Wokingham
- URN
- 110181
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.