“Oliver House School transforms lives” and makes history with Exceptional Ofsted outcome

Oliver House School has become the first independent primary and secondary school to receive an Exceptional grade across all seven areas of the new Ofsted inspection framework. A truly historic achievement that reflects the school’s commitment to unlocking young people’s potential and earns a place in Ofsted inspection history!

Inspectors awarded it in all seven areas: achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and post-16 provision. Safeguarding and independent school standards were also met.

The inspection recognised the transformational impact the school has on the lives of young people with complex autism. Inspectors described Oliver House School as a place that “transforms lives”, where pupils are met with “warmth, understanding and an unwavering belief in their potential” from the moment they arrive.

For many pupils, their journey to Oliver House School hasn’t been straightforward. Ofsted noted that many join following highly disrupted educational experiences, often with significant barriers to learning. Yet pupils leave confident and well prepared for their futures whether that be in further education, training or employment.

At the heart of their success is an approach built on inclusion and understanding. Through personalised support and specialist expertise, Oliver House School rebuilds pupils’ confidence and helps them reconnect with education – creating outcomes that once felt out of reach.

This reflects the relentless dedication colleagues have to every pupil’s success. Inspectors recognised that they take their time to understand pupils’ unique strengths, interests and needs, to create highly personalised pathways. This is why pupils achieve so much:

“Through an ambitious and nurturing approach, pupils develop the skills, knowledge, confidence and qualifications they need to move forward successfully in life. Pupils achieve exceptionally well because staff pinpoint their strengths, believe in their potential and never give up on them.”

The impact reaches families too. Parents and carers often describe the change in their children as “life changing and transformative”.

This fantastic achievement reflects the expertise, compassion and dedication of our colleagues, alongside recognises the resilience and success of our young people who they support every day.

Headteacher, Lisa Sharrock is honoured for Oliver House School to receive this recognition:

“I could not be prouder of Oliver House. This achievement belongs to our extraordinary young people, our dedicated staff and the families who place their trust in us.

“Behind these judgements are lives being changed. A young person finding their voice. A family beginning to believe in the future again. A pupil walking through our doors after education has felt out of reach, and discovering that they belong, that they can learn and that their future holds possibility.

“Our staff see potential, even when it has been overlooked. They take time to understand each child, break down barriers and keep finding a way forward. Their expertise, compassion and determination make those breakthroughs possible.

“To have this work recognised across every area is an immense honour. But our greatest pride will always be in what it means for our pupils: a voice, a sense of belonging and the freedom to build a life that is meaningful to them. That is why we do this, and why we will always keep pushing for more.”

Charles Coney, CEO at Aspris couldn’t be prouder:

“We are so proud of Oliver House – our incredible colleagues bring compassion, expertise and an unwavering commitment to providing personalised care and education, tailored to the individual strengths, needs, and aspirations of every young person. Every day, every hour and every minute, our dedicated colleagues unlock the potential of our young people across Aspris. Behind every story is a young person and a future that has been transformed.”

Congratulations to all the team and young people at Oliver House School on this much-deserved achievement!

Read the inspection report here.

rebeccakinsella