Rosewood Free School

  • Special
  • Free school
  • Ages 2 to 19
Ofsted: Outstanding

Aldermoor Road, Southampton, SO16 5NAOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Rosewood Free School is a special school in Southampton for ages 2 to 19. It is one of the 84 schools in Southampton. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in July 2014.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 15 July 2014, report published 12 September 2014

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 October 2023

Pupils at Rosewood Free School thrive. Staff cater exceptionally well for pupils' special educational needs and/or disabilities. When pupils first join the school, they and their families become part of the 'Rosewood family'. One parent, echoing the views of many, said, 'It's like a second home.' Another said, 'We feel fortunate to be part of the Rosewood community. The staff are all superstars!' A committed team of teachers, support staff, doctors, nurses and therapists works collaboratively to ensure that pupils receive high- quality education, health and care. Staff promote pupils' attendance. As a result, pupils are extremely well looked after and make exceptional progress with their learning and personal development. Expert staff know pupils remarkably well. Staff show absolute respect for pupils. Highly consistent routines support pupils' understanding of what is happening around them. Staff observe pupils carefully for physical movements, expressions, responses and vocalisations. They interpret what they see and hear and respond expertly to ensure they meet pupils' needs in a timely way. Pupils experience a wide range of rich and stimulating learning activities. Preparing pupils for adulthood starts from day one. Encouraging pupils' independence and ability to make choices is deeply embedded in the school.

Pupil numbers and mix

77 pupils on roll, with places for 77

Eligible for free school meals29.9%

29.9%, 3.4 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language27.3%

27.3%, 5.7 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support13%

13%, 1.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan87%

87%, 81 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Rosewood Free School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Vermont School0.8 milesOfsted judgements: Inadequate to requires improvement0% met the expected standard
Great Oaks School0.9 milesOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 1.0
The Cedar School1 mileOfsted: Good0% met the expected standard
New Avenue School2 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
The Polygon School2 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standardAttainment 8: 2.4

School details

School type
Free schools special
Sector
Free school
Trust
SPECIALIST SCHOOLS TRUST LTD
Age range
2 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Zoe Evans
Address
Aldermoor Road, Southampton, SO16 5NA
Local authority
Southampton
URN
139265

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.