Poppy Field School
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
Schools near Poppy Field School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Raise Academy | 0.9 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| Chesnut Lodge Special School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Ashley High School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 10.7 |
| Brookfields School | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| Weston Point College | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 1.3 |
School details
- School type
- Other independent special school
- Sector
- Independent
- Age range
- 4 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Jane Hingley
- Phone
- 01513323000
- 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.