Oak Lodge School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 April 2025

Pupils delight in coming to this welcoming and inclusive school. They are happy, safe and very well cared for. Staff get to know each pupil really well. They quickly find out about pupils' interests and work together to establish the best ways to meet each pupil's needs. From the moment they join, pupils are valued as individuals and their voices are heard. They describe Oak Lodge as a place where everyone can be themselves. All around the school, pupils are immersed in high-quality opportunities to develop their language and communication skills. They see staff as great role models for British Sign Language and English. The school not only builds pupils' knowledge in these languages, but it also strengthens their confidence too. Pupils rise to the school's high expectations. They achieve well academically and in their wider development. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps in education, including the move on to college or work when the time comes. Pupils work hard and behave well. They show kindness and respect, and they forge good friendships. The positive relationships that exist throughout the school contribute enormously to the school's friendly atmosphere. The deaf studies curriculum is just one of the many ways that the school helps pupils to learn about themselves and others, including important concepts such as identity.

What the school should improve

• Recent changes to the curriculum are in various stages of implementation. In a few subjects, the school has not clearly defined what subject knowledge should be taught and when on each of the revised pathways. This makes it difficult for staff to know how pupils' subject knowledge should build up over time. Where this is the case, the school should ensure that staff have clarity about the key knowledge that needs to be taught and when in each of the revised pathways.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)