Oak Grove College
The Boulevard, Worthing, BN13 1JXOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Oak Grove College is a special school in Worthing for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 332 schools in West Sussex. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in December 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 11 December 2014, report published 12 January 2015
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Outstanding
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 11 June 2024
Pupils who communicate verbally have highly positive views of Oak Grove College. One pupil told inspectors, 'This school values everything and everyone for their opinions and who they are. I love that about this school.' Pupils who do not communicate verbally frequently express their pleasure and engagement with the enriching learning that the school provides. The school is determined that every pupil learns to communicate effectively so that they can express their views and make decisions about their own lives. Some pupils, for example, might be learning to use facial expressions or eye gaze to communicate that they want to continue with an activity or experience they enjoy, or to say that they want to stop. The school ensures all staff are highly responsive to pupils' communications, so that all pupils learn they can make decisions for themselves, and that their views and feelings matter. Pupils across the school achieve well because staff plan for each individual very carefully, and pupils are keen to learn and be successful. Pupils behave exceptionally well. Over time, all pupils, including those with very complex needs in relation to their behaviour, learn to self-regulate and better understand their own needs. Pupils are kind and inclusive of all. They have high levels of confidence in school staff to be able to resolve any friendship issues. The school is very successful at reintegrating pupils who have previously withdrawn from or been excluded from education. Pupils attend well, and the school sensitively supports pupils and their families when pupils are unable to attend because they are not well enough.
What the school should improve
- The teaching of early reading is not yet consistent or highly effective for all pupils. The school should continue their work to ensure that all teachers are expert in the teaching of early reading and know how to adapt learning to meet the needs and starting points of all pupils so that they achieve the best possible outcomes.
Pupil numbers and mix
274 pupils on roll, with places for 276
Schools near Oak Grove College
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palatine Primary School | 0.2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| Courtlands Independent Special School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Seadown School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Red Balloon Worthing Learner Centre | 3 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 24.9 |
| Springboard Education | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Community special school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mr Phillip Potter
- Phone
- 01903708870
- Address
- The Boulevard, Worthing, BN13 1JX
- Local authority
- West Sussex
- URN
- 126161
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.