Horton Lodge Community Special School
Rudyard, Leek, ST13 8RBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Horton Lodge Community Special School is a special school in Leek for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 451 schools in Staffordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in February 2013.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 13 February 2013, report published 11 March 2013
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 23 January 2024
Pupils are happy at Horton Lodge Community Special School. They arrive at school smiling and excited. Pupils' individual needs are well understood. They are well cared for by experienced staff. The school's motto of 'working hand in hand to achieve potential' is realised here. Staff work closely with parents, carers and agencies. Together, they have created a strong community of support around each pupil. As a result, each pupil thrives at this school. Leaders have high expectations for pupils' behaviour. Staff see behaviour as a form of communication. They take time to understand what pupils are communicating and, when necessary, provide quick and effective support. This helps pupils to stay calm and settled in lessons and around school. Strengthening independence and communication skills is central to pupils' learning. The school's approach of conductive education supports this. Daily activities focus on targeted physical movement as part of the specialist curriculum for pupils. Pupils experience a range of trips and activities. The school ensures that pupils with physical disabilities are able to access these opportunities. For example, older pupils take part in adventurous activities during residential trips. They also visit the theatre. All this helps to promote pupils' independence further.
What the school should improve
- In some areas of the curriculum, the school has not explicitly defined the knowledge, skills and vocabulary it wants pupils to learn. It is also not clear in what order pupils will learn essential knowledge. This limits the progress of some pupils. The school should ensure that the curriculum clearly defines, in a logical sequence, the knowledge pupils will gain over time.
- There is some variability in the implementation of the structured phonics programme. This is not always implemented in a clear, systematic way. This slows the progress in reading for some pupils. The school should provide staff with the knowledge and skills to deliver the phonics scheme effectively.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
16 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
66 pupils on roll
Schools near Horton Lodge Community Special School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| The Meadows School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Hopedale School | 4 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Not published |
| Roaches School | 4 miles | Ofsted: Inadequate | Not published |
| Cicely Haughton School | 5 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community special school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Lucy Bloor
- Phone
- 01538306214
- Address
- Rudyard, Leek, ST13 8RB
- Local authority
- Staffordshire
- URN
- 124496
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.