Newbury Manor School, a private institution near Frome specializing in education for pupils with autism, has received a mixed report following a recent Ofsted inspection. The school educates 60 young people aged 6 to 19, with fees ranging from £95,000 to £120,000, and admits only pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) via local authority referral.
Inspectors praised the school’s commitment to pupil wellbeing, noting its expertly designed personal, social, and health education program tailored to individual needs. This includes developing vital independent living skills such as public transport use and money management. The school also received high marks for its careers education, which is personalized to suit each pupil’s interests, helping many transition successfully into further education, training, or employment.
Additionally, pupil attendance has improved since joining Newbury Manor, with the school actively addressing barriers to attendance. Pupils reportedly feel happy and safe, contributing to their enthusiasm for school.
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However, Ofsted expressed concerns regarding pupil achievement, particularly for those on the formal curriculum pathway. Inspectors found that these pupils are not consistently building knowledge across subjects or adequately preparing for their next steps. Although the school has begun enhancing its science curriculum, overall progress on this pathway remains insufficient.
The report also highlighted a recent “period of instability in leadership,” which has negatively affected the quality of education and school provision. Parents shared mixed feedback, with some expressing concern over the disruptions caused by leadership changes. Nevertheless, many parents praised the support their children receive.
Post-16 provision was found to lack ambition, particularly for students following the formal curriculum. While progress is appropriate for pupils on informal and semi-formal pathways, leaders are reviewing qualifications to offer more ambitious courses and better prepare students for the future.
Newbury Manor met six of eight private school standards but fell short in the quality of education and leadership and management. Ofsted’s rating system now assesses schools across seven categories; Newbury Manor performed strongly in personal development and wellbeing, met expectations for inclusion and attendance, but needs improvement in achievement, curriculum and teaching, leadership and governance, and post-16 provision.
A spokesperson for Newbury Manor School responded positively to the report, acknowledging the strengths noted and reaffirming their commitment to improvement. The school is already implementing plans to address the areas identified for development, aiming to provide the highest quality education and support for its pupils.