Newark Orchard School

About Newark Orchard School

Newark Orchard School is a special school catering for pupils aged from 3 to 18. The school provides for a wide range of complex needs in brand new, purpose built premises. Our vision statement is ‘Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve, Together We Thrive,’ and this is at the heart of everything we do.

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Key Facts

Head/Principal Matt Joyce

Rating Breakdown

Based on published reviews

Safety & Security 4.7

Teaching Quality 4.7

Communication 4.7

Student Wellbeing 4.7

Facilities 4.7

Parent Survey

Official Ofsted Parent View data • 37 responses • 21.9% response rate

View on Ofsted

My child is happy at this school

89.2% positive 5.4% negative

My child feels safe at this school

86.5% positive 8.1% negative

The school makes sure its pupils are well behaved

78.3% positive 10.8% negative

The school has high expectations for my child

73% positive 18.9% negative

My child does well at this school

83.8% positive 5.4% negative

I would recommend this school to another parent

Data from Ofsted Parent View as of September 2025. Based on 37 parent responses to the official Ofsted survey.

School Workforce

Teacher and staff information • 2024-2025

Note: These figures are estimated based on national averages. Actual school-level data not yet available.

20.0:1

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Good

8.5

Teachers (FTE)

Estimated workforce data based on GIAS enrollment and national average ratios. Academic year 2024-2025.

Secondary School Results (Key Stage 4)

Exam performance data • 2023-2024

Note: Progress 8 scores are not available for 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years due to COVID-19 impact on prior attainment data.

Additional Information

16 pupils in cohort

Data from DfE Performance Tables for academic year 2023-2024. Published January 2024. View full performance tables

Reviews 4

E

Emily A

Parent Feb 15, 2022

5.0

"Exceptional support and care"

I've been blown away by the dedication and kindness of the staff at Newark Orchard. My son has flourished in the supportive environment, and I'm so grateful for the hydrotherapy pool and sensory room facilities. The vision statement really shines through in everyday life at the school.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful

H

Helen B

Parent Aug 20, 2021

5.0

"Helping our daughter thrive"

Newark Orchard was a game-changer for our daughter. The life skills program really helped her develop essential independence, and the vocational skills classes were engaging and relevant. I'm so proud to see her thriving in her new school.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 4/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 4/5

Helpful

K

Katie G

Parent Jun 25, 2021

4.0

"Room for improvement"

While my daughter is happy at Newark Orchard, I've had some concerns about communication from the school. The facilities are great, and I love the emphasis on confidence and resilience. However, I think the school could do more to keep parents informed about upcoming events and deadlines.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 3/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 3/5

Helpful

D

David T

Parent Mar 1, 2020

5.0

"A true community"

The people at Newark Orchard are genuinely committed to supporting each other, and it shows in everything they do. My son loves the food tech classes and making new friends in the soft play room. We feel so lucky to be part of this community.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful