Oakwood Community School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 January 2026

Oakwood Community School is driven by its ‘head, heart and hands’ philosophy. This is made up of academic learning, therapeutic care and vocational development. This enables pupils to make effective progress from their individual starting points. Pupils enjoy learning, make significant strides in their personal development and are well prepared for life beyond the school. The school knows each pupil well. It understands the barriers that pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) present. Staff identify needs precisely and put in place tailored support to ensure that each pupil’s ‘heads, hearts and hands’ get the help that they need. Leaders regularly review provision and make skilful adaptations where needed. As a result, all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those who are known to social care, achieve well. They feel a strong sense of belonging and are well prepared for their next stages. Relationships across the school are consistently positive. Staff listen to pupils. Pupils respond by working hard and behaving well. Classrooms are calm and purposeful. Pupils support one another. Many show a high degree of courtesy, including greeting visitors politely and holding doors open for adults. Bullying is rare. When disagreements do occur, staff address them promptly and help pupils learn from the experience. Pupils feel safe and trust staff to help. Attendance is monitored closely. Leaders work with families to ensure that pupils attend regularly. Pupils are keen to be in school because they enjoy what it offers. Pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom. The multi-acre forest, sensory spaces, atrium, outdoor equipment and the ‘Womble Pod’ underground classroom provide rich opportunities to explore, socialise and learn. Pupils help to keep the school tidy and organised. They also take responsibility for caring for the school’s chickens and take pride in the newly refurbished nurture unit.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to ensure checks of their work provide full insight into its impact on different pupil groups.
• Leaders should complete work to the curriculum so that it is fully planned and sequenced across all subjects.
• Leaders should continue their work on writing so that pupils consistently form letters accurately and go on to develop a fluent handwriting style.

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