Courtlands Independent Special School

About Courtlands Independent Special School

We specialise in supporting children who experience anxiety and benefit from a calm, understanding, and personalised approach to learning. Our pupils are bright, curious, and full of potential – many have a deep love of learning, and our mission is to help them thrive in an environment that recognises and responds to their individual needs.

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Key Facts

Head/Principal Mark Birkbeck

Rating Breakdown

Based on published reviews

Safety & Security 4.3

Teaching Quality 4.3

Communication 4.3

Student Wellbeing 4.3

Facilities 4.7

Parent Survey

Official Ofsted Parent View data • 11 responses • 47.8% response rate

View on Ofsted

My child is happy at this school

100% positive

My child feels safe at this school

100% positive

The school makes sure its pupils are well behaved

90.9% positive

The school has high expectations for my child

90.9% positive

My child does well at this school

100% positive

I would recommend this school to another parent

Data from Ofsted Parent View as of September 2025. Based on 11 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

1.2

Teachers (FTE)

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

Reviews 4

A

Ava T Unconfirmed

Parent Jan 25, 2023

4.0

"Mixed feelings about the school"

I'm still getting used to the school's layout and policies, but I appreciate the staff's efforts to make my child feel comfortable. While some of the facilities could be improved, I'm glad to see the school prioritizing emotional intelligence and wellbeing. I do wish there were more opportunities for parent-teacher communication, but overall, Courtlands seems like a decent choice for families with anxious children.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 3/5

Communication 4/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 3/5

Facilities 3/5

Helpful

E

Emily W Unconfirmed

Parent Jun 15, 2022

5.0

"Amazing support for my anxious child"

I couldn't be more grateful for the nurturing environment at Courtlands. The staff are truly compassionate and understanding, and the 'Soft Starters' program was instrumental in helping my child transition back into education. I highly recommend this school to any parent seeking a calm and supportive learning environment.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful

O

Oliver B Unconfirmed

Parent Mar 10, 2021

5.0

"Excellent care and guidance"

My child has thrived at Courtlands, thanks to the individualized attention and support from the staff. The school's focus on emotional intelligence and wellbeing has been especially beneficial for my child, who was struggling with anxiety. I'm impressed by the school's commitment to helping each child reach their full potential.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 4/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful

C

Charlotte G Unconfirmed

Parent Sep 20, 2020

4.0

"A school that truly understands its students"

As a former parent, I can attest to the exceptional care and support provided by Courtlands. The school's emphasis on creating a calm and safe environment allowed my child to flourish, and I was impressed by the staff's ability to adapt to their unique needs. While I do wish the school had more extracurricular activities, I highly recommend it to any parent seeking a supportive learning environment.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 4/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 4/5

Helpful