Grow Independent School, Barrowford
Grow Independent School is a special school for pupils aged 11 to 16 in Barrowford.
Data last updated 1 Nov 2026
Grow Independent School in detail
Grow Independent School in its own words
In its own words: "We are an Independent Special School for secondary aged children, located in the rural village of Barrowford, which is situated just off the M65. We are close to a river, beautiful countryside and the bustling village of Barrowford, all of which provide our learners with learning opportunities outside of the classroom."
Vision and values (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other special schools to Grow Independent School are Pendle Community High School & College (1.2 miles, Outstanding); Pendle View Primary School (1.3 miles, Outstanding); The Nook School (2.1 miles, Good); and Silver Birch School (2.6 miles).
Pendle Community High School & CollegePendle View Primary SchoolThe Nook SchoolSilver Birch School
Who goes there
Almost every pupil at Grow Independent School has an education, health and care plan (16 of 16 in 2026).
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Nelson Rail Station, about 0.9 miles away in a straight line.
12 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Nelson and Colne College (adjacent), 280 metres away.
Sources: DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport)
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 2 years agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's December 2024 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
Grow Independent School demonstrates strong safeguarding practice with well-trained staff and clear procedures to support vulnerable pupils. The school maintains high standards for premises safety, cleanliness and resources, with thoughtful consideration of pupils' individual sensory needs. Leadership has carefully planned the school's expansion to ensure quality education and pupil welfare remain priorities.
Key Strengths
- Robust safeguarding policies and procedures with regular staff training and multiple designated safeguarding leads
- Safe, secure and well-maintained premises with suitable classrooms, facilities and outdoor space
- Thorough pre-employment checks and detailed staff induction processes
- Effective governance with the proprietor and governing body holding the school to account
- Careful planning for expansion that considers pupil welfare and does not compromise education quality
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is effective - the school has suitable policies aligned with statutory guidance, robust reporting procedures, and all staff receive regular training tailored to the vulnerability of pupils.
Extracurricular Activities
Weekly physical education sessions at a local sports centre
Grow Independent School is a special independent school for pupils aged 11-16 with education, health and care plans, primarily serving those with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. The inspection found the school is likely to meet all relevant independent school standards if its proposed expansion is approved.
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 Grow Independent School
Nurseries
The nearest nurseries and pre-schools to Grow Independent School, with their latest published grades:
- Little Blossoms of Barrowford - Day nursery, 0.2 milesOfsted, 24 February 2022: Good overall; safeguarding is effective
- Barrowford Preschool Nursery - Day nursery, 0.3 milesOfsted, 12 August 2025: Outstanding overall; safeguarding is effective
- Parrock House Day Nursery - Day nursery, 0.4 milesOfsted, 28 January 2025: Good overall; safeguarding is effective
- Pendle Court Day Nursery & Pre-School - Day nursery, 0.5 milesOfsted report card, 21 August 2026: Strong standard in 1 area, Expected standard in 2 areas, Needs attention in 3 areas; safeguarding standards met
- Crescent Nursery Nelson - Pre-school, 0.7 milesOfsted report card, 1 October 2026: Strong standard in 6 areas; safeguarding standards met
Getting There
Bus Stops
Safety and surroundings
Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)
- Collisions
- 19
- Fatal
- 0
- Serious
- 5
- Children hurt
- 5
Within 500 m of the school's mapped location, police recorded 19 road collisions in which someone was injured in 2021 to 2025: none fatal, 5 serious and 14 slight.
5 children aged 0 to 15 were hurt: 3 on foot and 2 in a vehicle or otherwise.
5 of the collisions happened on a weekday between 08:00 and 09:30 or 14:45 and 16:30, holidays included.
The typical figure for schools in Lancashire is 12 (the median across 707 schools, same distance and years).
Serious and slight are DfT estimates (severity adjustment). Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
89%
Available places
16 pupils
18 places
2 spare places
as recorded on GIAS
Across Lancashire council
Places available
14,702
Applications
13,782
Got 1st preference
87.1%
Got preferred school
97.2%
All secondary applications across Lancashire council (2026/27), not just this school.
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
0
SEN Support
16
EHC Plans
100.0%
of Total Pupils
2026 academic year
Provision & Specialist Facilities
Grow Independent School is not approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
Source: GIAS, Department for Education.
Pupils by Need Type
No need-level breakdown available
Pupil Demographics
Key Indicators
16
Total Pupils
7
Boys
9
Girls
2026 academic year
Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Grow Independent School
Showing 10 of 13 linked schools
Questions parents ask about Grow Independent School
How many pupils go to Grow Independent School?
Grow Independent School has around 16 pupils on roll.
Does Grow Independent School have specialist SEN provision?
Grow Independent School is not approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
How many road collisions happen near Grow Independent School?
Within 500 m of the school's mapped location, police recorded 19 road collisions in which someone was injured in 2021 to 2025: none fatal, 5 serious and 14 slight. 5 children aged 0 to 15 were hurt: 3 on foot and 2 in a vehicle or otherwise. 5 of the collisions happened on a weekday between 08:00 and 09:30 or 14:45 and 16:30, holidays included. The typical figure for schools in Lancashire is 12 (the median across 707 schools, same distance and years).
Where is Grow Independent School?
Grow Independent School is at Lower Clough Business Centre, Pendle Street, Barrowford, Lancashire, BB9 8PH.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)