A special school in Harrow has been praised for its outstanding support and personal development in a new Ofsted inspection.
Shaftesbury High School, based on Headstone Lane just next to Hatch End High School, provides education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Following an inspection on 20 and 21 May 2025, the school was rated ‘Outstanding’ in behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The overall quality of education and sixth-form provision were both rated ‘Good’. The previous inspection in 2022 had rated the school as requiring improvement.
Ofsted described Shaftesbury as “a warm and welcoming school” where “pupils feel safe and well supported.” Inspectors said: “Expectations for behaviour and academic success are high,” and noted that the school has a calm, respectful atmosphere that allows pupils to thrive.
The report praises the staff’s understanding of pupils’ “unique and complex needs” and highlights the school’s “aspirational curriculum.” “A personalised approach to teaching and carefully targeted interventions help pupils develop a deeper understanding of themselves,” it says.
Inspectors found that Shaftesbury offers “exceptional” personal development through experiences like local community visits, travel training, and work placements. These opportunities help pupils “grow in their understanding of the local area and beyond” and support their readiness for adulthood.
While the curriculum has seen significant improvements since the last inspection, inspectors noted that “in a few wider curriculum subjects, aspects of curriculum design are not fully embedded,” which the school is continuing to work on.
Reading is prioritised across the school, with expert phonics teaching and support that continues through to sixth form. Students are also given opportunities to build independence and confidence through leadership activities and enterprise projects like running the school coffee shop.
The school’s pupil-created charter promotes values such as kindness and respect, and helps pupils make “exceptional progress in managing their own behaviour.”
Staff well-being was also highlighted, with inspectors noting that “staff value this support and take great pride in being part of the school. Many describe it as a small school that changes lives.”
Safeguarding at the school was found to be effective.
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