The Ashley School
Ashley Downs, Lowestoft, NR32 4EUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Ashley School is a special school in Lowestoft for ages 7 to 16. It is one of the 357 schools in Suffolk. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in April 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 1 April 2014, report published 16 May 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 10 May 2023
Pupils feel they are part of one big happy family. The Ashley School is a special place where pupils thrive. Pupils say that their school is amazing. They are enthusiastic about what they learn and the friendships they make. Many say that there is not a thing they would change about their school. Pupils feel, and say they are, safe at school. Pupils achieve exceptionally well. Staff commit themselves to helping every pupil to enjoy success. Adults place no limits on what pupils are able to do. Their genuine care of pupils reflects the high expectations shared by all. Staff expect pupils to work hard and to do their best. Pupils are extremely well prepared for their future lives. Kindness and respect are givens at this school. Staff are highly skilled at supporting pupils to manage their behaviour. Gentle reminders encourage pupils to make appropriate choices. Adults work with pupils to build their understanding of how to behave and respond in social situations. This means that pupils behave very well, and bullying is rare. Pupils are confident that adults will resolve any of their concerns. Many parents are highly positive about the experiences their children receive. They appreciate that attending this school has had a life-changing impact on their child's education.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
23 pupils took the tests
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
25 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
203 pupils on roll, with places for 192
Schools near The Ashley School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ness Point School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Warren School | 3 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| Sunrise Academy | 4 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | Attainment 8: 2.5 |
| Community-Ed Academy | 7 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| Novaturient School | 8 miles | Report card: Expected standard | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Academy special converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE ASHLEY SCHOOL ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 7 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Boarding places
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Thomas Ward
- Phone
- 01502565439
- Address
- Ashley Downs, Lowestoft, NR32 4EU
- Local authority
- Suffolk
- URN
- 137459
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.