Leith Hill School

  • Special
  • Independent
  • Ages 7 to 16
Report card: Expected standard to strong standard

Pasture Wood Road, Holmbury St Mary, RH5 6LQOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Leith Hill School is a special school in Holmbury St Mary for ages 7 to 16. It is one of the 512 schools in Surrey. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in May 2026.

Ofsted report card

Inspected 19 May 2026, report published 23 June 2026

Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.

Inclusion
Strong standard
Curriculum and teaching
Expected standard
Achievement
Expected standard
Attendance and behaviour
Strong standard
Personal development and wellbeing
Strong standard
Leadership and governance
Expected standard
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2026

Pupils are thriving in this deeply caring school. Many have missed extended periods of learning in the past, but this school is addresses pupils’ gaps in learning to ensure that they achieve well across a broad and engaging curriculum. Pupils have discovered a meaningful sense of belonging at this school. Leaders ensure that support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities is excellent. The school is meticulous and tireless in its work to identify pastoral, emotional and academic needs to put very effective support in place. Many parents and carers commend the school as being ‘life changing’ for their children. They are grateful to the school for ensuring that their children are back in full-time education after long periods out of school. Behaviour is excellent. High expectations, warm relationships and clear systems keep everybody safe and happy. Pupils are not worried about bullying. There is a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity in this caring school. The school is an oasis of calm purpose. Pupils flourish emotionally and get back on track with their education. Personal development and wellbeing are excellent. Pastoral care and occupational therapy are highly personalised to support pupils’ mental and physical health. Pupils appreciate how staff care about them and help them to be confident, resilient and ambitious despite their struggles in the past. Pupils develop secure understanding of important issues relating to relationships, consent, online safety and protected characteristics. Pupils become advocates for themselves and others, resolving conflicts through reflective discussions and embracing the views of others. The school prepares pupils well for their future steps, raising their aspirations for future careers while harnessing their talents and passions through extensive enrichment opportunities. Pupils attend highly, enjoy learning, and embrace opportunities to boost their independence, confidence and success in future life.

What the school should improve

  • Leaders should strengthen the teaching of writing to help all pupils to acquire very secure foundations in this area to match their success with reading and mathematics.

Pupil numbers and mix

33 pupils on roll, with places for 75

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 Leith Hill School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Joseph's Specialist Trust4 milesOfsted: OutstandingNot published
Unified Academy4 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to goodAttainment 8: 4.4
Elysian, West Horsley4 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Elysian, Shamley Green6 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Aurora Poppyfield School6 milesOfsted: GoodNot published

School details

School type
Other independent special school
Sector
Independent
Age range
7 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Mr James McInerney
Address
Pasture Wood Road, Holmbury St Mary, RH5 6LQ
Local authority
Surrey
URN
151773

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.