Ashdown Garden School, Forest Row
Ashdown Garden School is a special school for pupils aged 7 to 16 in Forest Row.
Data last updated 26 Oct 2026
Ashdown Garden School in detail
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other special schools to Ashdown Garden School are Step by Step School Limited (3.6 miles, Outstanding); and Acre Wood Academy (5.5 miles).
Getting there
The nearest railway station is East Grinstead Rail Station, about 3.5 miles away in a straight line.
Source: NaPTAN (Department for Transport)
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 2 months agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's August 2026 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
Ashdown Garden School offers a unique blend of academic learning and practical land-based skills in a supportive environment designed specifically for children with additional needs. The school prioritizes pupils' wellbeing, independence and confidence through collaborative learning, outdoor experiences, and meaningful involvement in school decisions. With experienced leaders and specialist staff trained in supporting diverse needs, the school is well-positioned to help each child thrive.
Key Strengths
- Experienced leadership team with extensive educational background, supported by the Ruskin Mill Trust which runs 4 other special schools and 5 colleges
- Specialist staff appointed including occupational therapists and speech and language specialists to support pupils' additional needs
- Innovative curriculum combining traditional subjects with land-based learning including animal care, woodwork, and craft skills
- Strong emphasis on pupils' social, emotional and spiritual development with opportunities for pupil voice and decision-making
- Comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures with trained senior staff leading safeguarding practice
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is effective with a comprehensive policy meeting statutory requirements, two trained senior staff leading safeguarding practice, appropriately planned staff training, and robust oversight systems supported by the trust.
Extracurricular Activities
Animal care, woodwork, clay work, craft skills, outdoor learning, student council, garden and farmland activities
Ashdown Garden School is a proposed independent special school for primary and secondary-aged pupils inspired by Steiner education principles and practical skills therapeutic education. The school is likely to meet all independent school standards if registered.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 5 nearby schools
Keep up with Ashdown Garden School
Getting There
Bus Stops
Safety and surroundings
Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025.
The typical figure for schools in East Sussex is 8 (the median across 221 schools, same distance and years).
Serious and slight counts use the Department for Transport's severity adjustment, which allows for changes in how police forces record injuries; they are estimates, rounded to whole numbers. Distances are in a straight line. Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
Area Demand Pressure - Forest Row
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Forest Row
Across East Sussex council
Places available
5,496
Applications
4,990
Got 1st preference
86.3%
Got preferred school
95.9%
All secondary applications across East Sussex council (2026/27), not just this school.
Inspection History
Special educational needs provision
Ashdown Garden School is not approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
Source: Get Information about Schools (GIAS), Department for Education.
Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Ashdown Garden School
Questions parents ask about Ashdown Garden School
Does Ashdown Garden School have specialist SEN provision?
Ashdown Garden School is not approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
How do I apply to Ashdown Garden School?
Ashdown Garden School is an independent school and runs its own admissions rather than going through the local authority. Contact the school directly for entry requirements, assessment dates, fees and any bursaries.
How many road collisions happen near Ashdown Garden School?
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025. The typical figure for schools in East Sussex is 8 (the median across 221 schools, same distance and years).
Where is Ashdown Garden School?
Ashdown Garden School is at Hartfield Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)