Bexhill Independent Special School, Bexhill-on-Sea

Special
Other independent special school
Mixed
Ages 718

Data last updated 11 Sept 2026

Location

Key Information

DfE GIAS
Head:Alison Dobbie
LA:East Sussex
Phone:07385315536
Address:Shimba Lodge, Freezeland Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 5JD
Status:open
Opened:3 March 2026

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 8 months ago
-

Overall

Inspected 21 January 2026View full report
URN:152357
Diocese:Not applicable
Constituency:Bexhill and Battle
Urban/Rural:Smaller rural: Nearer to a major town or city

Ofsted Insights

What This School Does Well

The school is designed specifically for pupils with special educational needs, offering personalised learning through bespoke curriculum pathways and high staff-to-pupil ratios. Leaders have created a warm, supportive environment with excellent facilities including a sensory room and dedicated medical room. The school prioritises individual progress, self-esteem and preparing pupils for life after school with a strong focus on communication and literacy skills.

Key Strengths

  • Bespoke curriculum tailored to individual pupil needs with three flexible pathways
  • Ambitious English and mathematics programmes with strong focus on communication and literacy
  • High staff to pupil ratios enabling personalised one-to-one support
  • Sound safeguarding policies and procedures with planned training for all staff
  • Well-designed premises in rural location with dedicated sensory room and medical facilities

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is effective - the school has sound policies meeting current requirements, leaders have attended appropriate training, and comprehensive staff induction and ongoing training are planned.

Extracurricular Activities

Educational visits, outside professional enrichment visits, physical education and sports programmes at external facilities

Bexhill Independent Special School is a proposed independent special school for pupils with education, health and care plans, up to age 18. The school is likely to meet all independent school standards when it opens.

At a Glance

No

Boarding

No

Nursery

No

Sixth Form

No

Special Measures

Getting There

Bus Stops

Thorne Crescent (opp)
485m · 8 min walk
Recreation Ground (opp)
549m · 9 min walk
Mayo Rise (adj)
807m · 13 min walk
Peartree Lane (opp)
882m · 14 min walk
Mount Idol View (o/s 6)
902m · 15 min walk
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Capacity & Demand

Area Demand Pressure - Bexhill-on-Sea

Medium pressure
New homes approved:651
Projected new pupils:117

Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Bexhill-on-Sea

Admissions Demand - East Sussex

Low demand0.90x oversubscription

Places available

5,548

Applications

4,976

Got 1st preference

86.1%

Got preferred school

96.5%

Secondary admissions across East Sussex (2025/26)

Inspection History

21 January 2026

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