Knightsfield School

  • Special
  • Academy
  • Ages 9 to 18
Ofsted: Outstanding

Knightsfield, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7LWOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Knightsfield School is a special school in Welwyn Garden City for ages 9 to 18. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in November 2014.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 12 November 2014, report published 13 February 2015

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 November 2024

Pupils join this school from Year 5 to access the school's auditory-oral approach for deaf pupils. Prior to their arrival, pupils experience varied levels of success in education. During their time at this school, pupils gain the confidence and communication skills needed to thrive in education and the wider world. Throughout the school pupils, including students in the sixth form flourish at school and learn the curriculum exceptionally well. They work with immense determination to achieve their very high aspirations. In lessons, pupils ask interesting questions. They delight in thoroughly investigating what they are studying. Pupils are rightly proud of their impressive educational and personal accomplishments. They celebrate the achievements of their peers. Pupils show great care for others within the school's well-established, positive ethos. With the support of the school's personal development programme, pupils develop excellent social skills. For example, pupils take part in the 'smile' programme to understand empathy and learn how to deal positively with situations that may cause them anxiety. During discussions, pupils listen carefully and show sensitivity towards others' needs. Positive relationships ensure pupils get along well together and enjoy each other's company. On the rare occasions when friends fall out, they are well-equipped to find positive solutions to their disagreements.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

6 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%.

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

10 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score17.7

17.7, 28.4 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths10%

10%, 35.4 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths30%

30%, 34.8 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc0%

0%, 40.5 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score1.28

1.28, 2.81 below the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

65 pupils on roll, with places for 60

Eligible for free school meals21.5%

21.5%, 5 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language27.7%

27.7%, 6.1 percentage points above 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 Knightsfield School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Lakeside School2 milesOfsted: Outstanding0% met the expected standard
James Marks Academy3 milesReport card: Strong standardNot published
Southfield School4 milesOfsted: Good0% met the expected standard
East Hall School5 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
The Valley School5 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstandingAttainment 8: 0.2

School details

School type
Academy special converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
KNIGHTSFIELD SCHOOL
Age range
9 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Mrs Linda Farenden
Address
Knightsfield, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7LW
Local authority
Hertfordshire
URN
138485

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.