Mackenzie Thorpe Centre, South Bank
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 1 year agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
The school excels at understanding each pupil as an individual and creating learning that meets their specific needs. Staff are highly trained in supporting pupils with autism and use expert strategies to help them manage their behaviour and emotions. The school prepares pupils well for life after school, teaching practical life skills alongside academic learning to build their independence.
Key Strengths
- Staff create trusting relationships with pupils that help them feel calm and focused on learning -
- Personalised curriculum is tailored to each pupil's specific needs and prior knowledge -
- Strong focus on developing reading, communication and life skills to prepare pupils for independence -
- Excellent behaviour management strategies that have reduced incidents of poor behaviour over time -
- Pupils' attendance is rising and above that of similar schools
Areas for Improvement
- Phonics scheme is not taught consistently - pupils are sometimes introduced to mixed reading strategies which slows their progress -
- Lesson activities sometimes don't emphasise the most important knowledge pupils need to learn
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective and demonstrate a strong commitment to keeping pupils safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Chess club, travel training, school council, talent show, learning in local community
Mackenzie Thorpe Centre is an independent special school for pupils with autism, rated Good overall. The school creates personalised curricula for each pupil and helps them develop strong relationships with staff who support their learning and wellbeing.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Class Sizes
0.0
Avg class size
0
Total classes
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
84%
Available places
38 pupils
45 capacity
7 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - South Bank
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for South Bank
Admissions Demand - Redcar and Cleveland
Places available
1,741
Applications
1,535
Got 1st preference
93.4%
Got preferred school
97.8%
Secondary admissions across Redcar and Cleveland (2025/26)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Mackenzie Thorpe Centre
South Bank Community Primary School
St Margaret Clitherows RC Primary School
Lift Caldicotes
Teesville Academy
Brambles Primary Academy
Thorntree Academy
Grangetown Primary School
St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Corpus Christi RC Primary School
Caedmon Primary School
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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