Step by Step School Limited

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

Neylands Farm, Grinstead Lane, Sharpthorne, RH19 4HPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Step by Step School Limited is a special school in Sharpthorne for ages 4 to 19. It is one of the 214 schools in East Sussex. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in September 2025.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 16 September 2025, report published 19 October 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 16 September 2025

Pupils thrive at Step by Step School. They receive an excellent education and high- quality care. Each morning, staff greet them warmly, helping pupils feel valued and ready to learn. Staff work with skill and commitment to help pupils meet the school's high expectations for personal and academic growth. They build on what pupils know and set ambitious goals. As a result, pupils develop well, socially and academically. The school has a calm, purposeful atmosphere where every pupil is supported to succeed. Staff understand pupils' needs and prioritise safety. They manage behaviour with calm authority, using proven strategies. Clear routines and gentle guidance help pupils feel secure. Staff anticipate challenges and respond with care. Pupils trust the adults around them and grow in confidence and independence. Pupils take pride in shaping their school community. Through the school council, they share ideas and suggest improvements. A wide range of clubs, including circus skills, role play and football, allow pupils to explore their interests. Pupils named the football team the G.O.A.T.S, reflecting their sense of ownership. Parents and carers are highly positive. One parent summed up the view of many, stating the school goes 'above and beyond to provide a full and varied curriculum that is truly individualised.'

Pupil numbers and mix

36 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 Step by Step School Limited

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Philpots Manor School2 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standardAttainment 8: 0.1
Burstow Park School6 milesReport card: Expected standardNot published
Aurora Redehall School6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 8.5
St Piers School6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 0.5
Serenity School Crawley6 milesOfsted: GoodNot published

School details

School type
Other independent special school
Sector
Independent
Age range
4 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Mrs Olivia Kurzeja
Address
Neylands Farm, Grinstead Lane, Sharpthorne, RH19 4HP
Local authority
East Sussex
URN
134634

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.