Southlands School

  • Special
  • Independent
  • Ages 7 to 19
Ofsted: Outstanding

Vicars Hill, Boldre, Lymington, SO41 5QBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Southlands School is a special school in Lymington for ages 7 to 19. It is one of the 600 schools in Hampshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in February 2025.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 4 February 2025, report published 13 March 2025

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 4 February 2025

The school provides pupils with a highly engaging and enriching educational experience. Some pupils report that this is the first time they have had a positive experience in a school setting. The commitment to understanding the needs of pupils and providing an ambitious, individualised curriculum is central to the school's success. As a result, pupils achieve success and are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education. The annual celebration day enables individual achievements and efforts to be recognised by all stakeholders. Due to the extremely inclusive nature of the school, pupils feel a strong sense of belonging. They are proud to attend this school and appreciate the support provided to them. Ensuring pupils have a voice is a high priority, and pupils are eager to share their thoughts, feelings and views. This is captured through the work done with the school council, as well as through informal conversations. The school places positive relationships at the heart of its ethos. Staff expertly model the expectations of behaviour, and pupils are keen to meet these. Respect and kindness are integral. A calm and supportive atmosphere is evident throughout the school. Pupils are supported well during social times to use the school's extensive grounds and equipment.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

14 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score4.5

4.5, 41.6 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths0%

0%, 45.4 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths0%

0%, 64.8 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc0%

0%, 40.5 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score0.62

0.62, 3.47 below the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

51 pupils on roll, with places for 64

Special educational needs support2%

2%, 12.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan98%

98%, 92 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Southlands School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Hill House School0.8 milesOfsted: OutstandingNot published
Coxlease School6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 8.9
Clay Hill School6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 4.4
Oak Lodge School8 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 4.5
Dibden Park School8 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published

School details

School type
Other independent special school
Sector
Independent
Age range
7 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Boarding places
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Alison Priddle
Address
Vicars Hill, Boldre, Lymington, SO41 5QB
Local authority
Hampshire
URN
116564

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.