Poppy Field School

  • Special
  • Independent
  • Ages 4 to 19
Ofsted: Outstanding

18 Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DHOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Poppy Field School is a special school in Widnes for ages 4 to 19. It is one of the 69 schools in Halton. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in May 2024.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 21 May 2024, report published 9 July 2024

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 May 2024

Pupils, parents and carers describe Poppy Field School as a school that transforms their lives for the better. The school's work with parents, to make pupils' start at the school successful, is admirable. All pupils at the school have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school ensures that pupils' needs are met exceptionally well. For many pupils, the school provides a stable, successful environment for the first time in their education. They turn up each day with a thirst for learning and eager to acquire new knowledge. Pupils flourish academically and socially. The school is determined for every pupil to achieve highly. Pupils learn an impressive curriculum. They know that staff believe in them and place no limits on their learning. From their individual starting points, pupils make remarkable progress through the curriculum. Pupils respond well to the exceptionally high expectations that the school has for their behaviour. Staff understand pupils' emotional needs well because they get to know pupils as unique individuals. Pupils learn how to behave appropriately in school and in other situations. They enjoy getting recognition for their efforts through the school's rewards system. The 'Poppy Field 50' experiences add tremendous value to pupils' life experiences. These enable pupils to develop key skills that help them to build their independence. For instance, pupils visit the local supermarket to learn about shopping on a budget.

Pupil numbers and mix

29 pupils on roll, with places for 40

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 Poppy Field School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
The Raise Academy0.9 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Chesnut Lodge Special School1 mileOfsted: GoodNot published
Ashley High School1 mileOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 10.7
Brookfields School1 mileOfsted judgements: Outstanding0% met the expected standard
Weston Point College2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 1.3

School details

School type
Other independent special school
Sector
Independent
Age range
4 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Mrs Jane Hingley
Address
18 Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DH
Local authority
Halton
URN
149567

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.