The Mendip School
Edmund Rack Road, Prestleigh, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4FZOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Mendip School is a special school in Shepton Mallet for ages 4 to 19. It is one of the 301 schools in Somerset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in July 2018.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 12 July 2018, report published 14 September 2018
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 4 October 2023
Pupils follow an ambitious curriculum and achieve well. They receive strong pastoral support from trusted adults. The curriculum is closely tailored to pupils' learning and development needs. Typically, pupils are attentive in lessons and work hard. They take pride in their work. Children in the early years receive very precise teaching across the curriculum. This develops their early communication skills and physical development superbly. The curriculum prepares pupils for their future lives as independent citizens exceptionally well. Older pupils learn to voice their views confidently in discussions about healthy relationships, physical health and ethical dilemmas. Everyone learns how to cook. Many extra-curricular activities build well on pupils' prior knowledge. For example, travelling to London by train enables pupils to apply what they know about reading timetables. Working in the community café develops pupils' confidence, self-esteem and use of money. All pupils experience a residential visit. Camp is a highlight for many. Pupils and staff eat lunch together. This reinforces the importance of maintaining positive behaviours and social interactions brilliantly. Pupils enjoy talking about their day and wider interests. Staff join in with outside games and the 'golden mile'. Pupils value using the outdoor gym equipment, keeping fit, and playing games, such as cricket.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
16 pupils took the tests
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
11 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
151 pupils on roll, with places for 152
Schools near The Mendip School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newbury Manor School | 8 miles | Report card: Needs attention to strong standard | Not published |
| Fosse Way School | 9 miles | Report card: Needs attention to strong standard | Attainment 8: 4.2 |
| Marchant Holliday School | 9 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Not published |
| Critchill Special School | 9 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| Wessex Lodge School | 10 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 3.8 |
School details
- School type
- Free schools special
- Sector
- Free school
- Trust
- THE PARTNERSHIP TRUST
- Age range
- 4 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Natalie Hanna
- Phone
- 01749838040
- Address
- Edmund Rack Road, Prestleigh, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4FZ
- Local authority
- Somerset
- URN
- 142118
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.