The Orchard School
Other independent special school · Ages 11–18 · Potters Bar, Somerset
The Orchard School is an independent special school in Potters Bar, Somerset for ages 11–18.
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Key facts
- Address
- Orchard School, C/O Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 1AG
- Type
- Other independent special school
- Ages
- 11–18
- Council
- Somerset
- Pupils on roll
- 4 January 2026 school census
- Free school meals
- z of pupils eligible
Official record: Get Information about Schools · as at 15 September 2026
Ofsted
No Ofsted grade
Strengths
- “For many pupils, Orchard School is their first successful experience of education.”
- “Pupils flourish because leaders have high expectations and respond well to their individual needs.”
- “Leaders carefully consider how to support pupils to manage their behaviour and re-engage with education.”
To improve
- “Pupils often have significant gaps in their knowledge when they join the school.”
- “However, not all staff have received this training yet.”
- “As a result, the approach used by some staff to teach pupils to read is less effective and this slows pupils’ progress.”
Safeguarding: Effective
Quoted from the Ofsted report published 21 March 2023 (read the report). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What a pass unlocks for The Orchard School
- Earlier exam results, 2022/23 to 2023/24
- Crime, sold prices and rents, broadband and transport around the school
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Nearby special, independent and other schools
Straight-line distance, in Somerset.
- Springmead Preparatory School 95.1 mi No Ofsted grade
- Selwood Academy 96.4 mi Good
- North Hill House 96.8 mi No Ofsted grade
- Fromefield Manor School 96.9 mi No Ofsted grade
- Avanti Park School 97.4 mi Good
- Wessex Lodge School 97.5 mi No Ofsted grade
- Oakfield Academy 97.8 mi Requires improvement
- Critchill Special School 98.0 mi Not judged