Fosse Way School commended in latest Ofsted Report

Fosse Way School in Radstock is “highly inclusive” where “Meeting pupils’ individual needs and celebrating their achievements are at the centre of the school’s work”, according to the special school’s latest OFSTED report.

The school, which supports children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) from ages three to 19, was inspected on 20 January 2026. According to Ofsted’s new-style report card Fosse Way achieved a ‘Strong Standard’ and ‘Expected Standard’ in a total of seven out of eight categories. The school also met its safeguarding standards.

Inspectors noted the low absence rate for students, and the positive relationships that school leaders build with parents, carers and external agencies. Pupils were praised for being “positive role models” and that they “show positive attitudes when learning and at social times.”

The school’s leadership was also commended, with the report stating:

“Leaders' highly ambitious inclusion strategy sits at the heart of the school’s work. Their work has a palpable impact over time on the achievement and experiences of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”

The report noted how staff were skilled at “identifying and assessing pupils' individual needs”, and how “bespoke curriculum pathways ensure that pupils develop appropriate knowledge and skills.”

Fosse Way’s personal development programme was also highlighted as being “ambitious and highly effective.” Learning life skills such as food technology, online safety and about artificial intelligence, and “high-quality” work experience both off site and at the school’s learning café, Longfellows, was also praised.

Inspectors, in particular, commended the post-16 provision at Fosse Way School, noting that:

“Leaders and staff have an unequivocal focus to prepare pupils for adulthood and ensure that pupils are ready for their next stage by the time they leave.”

Fiona Skinner, Headteacher at Fosse Way School said:

“This report highlights the many strengths that make Fosse Way School such a special place to learn and grow. It recognises our students’ excellent behaviour, our inclusive ethos, our strong personal development offer and the continued success of our sixth form. These are achievements we are extremely proud of and they reflect the dedication, professionalism and care shown by our entire staff team every day. We are particularly pleased that the report celebrates the positive culture within the school and the way our students are supported to thrive both academically and personally.”

The report notes that the Early Years provision at the school needed further improvement.

Fiona said:

“As a school, we had already identified some areas in this provision which we wanted to develop and had begun implementing improvements before the inspection took place. It is encouraging that the inspectors recognised this progress, and we are pleased with the significant strides that have already been made. We remain fully committed to continuing this work so that our youngest learners receive the very best possible start to their education.”

Fosse Way School is a member of The Partnership Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust of 17 schools in Bath & North East Somerset and Somerset.

Emily Massey, CEO of The Partnership Trust said:

“Congratulations to all at Fosse Way School and its wider community on such a positive Ofsted report. Given the current challenges in SEND education it is testimony to the school that they achieve above national average results and, as the inspectors noted, prepare each and every one of their students so well for life beyond school.”