Highfield School
Gawthorpe Lane, Ossett, WF5 9BSOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Highfield School is a special school in Ossett for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 155 schools in Wakefield. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2018.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 22 May 2018, report published 18 June 2018
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 22 November 2023
Highfield School prepares pupils with a wide range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) effectively for adulthood. The curriculum is shaped according to the needs of pupils. It meets their social, behavioural and academic needs well. By the time pupils and students leave school, the school puts plans in place to help them to thrive in the future. Staff build pupils' life skills by helping them to cook through 'shop-cook-eat' and by developing their financial independence at the school bank. Leaders plan for pupils' personal development particularly well. Pupils are part of the local community. They dress May Day floats, take part in interfaith week and contribute to national events, such as the Coronation. Staff weave these experiences into the life of the school. Leaders plan thoughtfully to help pupils to develop their understanding of what it is to be a citizen in Britain today. Pupils know what it is to be kind to one another. They treat each other well. Pupils feel happy and safe. Those who struggle to behave are supported to do so, with some receiving additional help from staff in 'the hut'. Members of staff know their pupils as individuals, understand their specific needs and plan to help them develop their knowledge well at Highfield School.
What the school should improve
- In some areas of the curriculum, the precise knowledge that the school wants pupils to learn is not clearly identified. This lack of precision can create gaps in pupils' knowledge. The school should ensure that the precise knowledge that pupils are expected to learn is clearly identified across pathways and different subjects.
Pupil numbers and mix
210 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near Highfield School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hall Cliffe Primary School | 2 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Not published |
| Hall Cliffe School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 6.7 |
| Becker School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Ravenshall School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| Fairfield School | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Foundation special school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Trust
- Education Ossett - Community Trust
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Rebecca Thompson
- Phone
- 01924264240
- Address
- Gawthorpe Lane, Ossett, WF5 9BS
- Local authority
- Wakefield
- URN
- 108311
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.