Woodlands Secondary School
Northwell Drive, Luton, LU3 3SPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Woodlands Secondary School is a special school in Luton for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 77 schools in Luton. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in May 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 8 May 2024, report published 18 June 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Sixth form provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 8 May 2024
Pupils' success is at the core of Woodlands School. It is a caring and harmonious community where all pupils flourish. All who attend the school have complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). However, the school's high expectations set no limits on what they can do or achieve. Pupils learn exceptionally well. Adults build strong and trusting relationships with pupils. This helps pupils to know they are safe. Staff have a deep knowledge of every individual's needs. They provide well judged and sensitive support. This ensures that pupils know how to communicate their wishes and manage their own behaviour. Pupils delight in their friendships and are respectful of each other. Pupils behave extremely well around the school. Pupils' voice is important at Woodlands. Their opinions are sought after and highly regarded. Pupils make significant contributions towards improving their local community. They are proud of these achievements, and rightly so. It helps them to understand how to lead active and fulfilling lives. Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for adulthood. This thread weaves through the school's curriculum. Real-life experiences enrich pupils' learning. It equips them with the skills to live their lives as independently as possible.
Pupil numbers and mix
262 pupils on roll, with places for 265
Schools near Woodlands Secondary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Support Education Centre | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 1.6 |
| The Chiltern School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| Richmond Hill School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| Lady Zia Wernher School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| Lime Academy Hartwell | 3 miles | Ofsted: Inadequate | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Community special school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Sandra Clarke
- Phone
- 01582572880
- Address
- Northwell Drive, Luton, LU3 3SP
- Local authority
- Luton
- URN
- 109744
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.