New Rush Hall School, Ilford

Ofsted's report card from its 25 November 2025 inspection grades New Rush Hall School on 6 areas: 2 exceptional and 4 strong standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Inclusion - Exceptional. "The quality and consistency of the school's inclusive practice is exemplary."

Personal development and wellbeing - Exceptional. "The school prepares pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, incredibly well for adulthood."

Achievement - Strong standard. "Leaders check pupils' starting points thoroughly when they join the school."

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Many pupils have experienced significant disruption to their education prior to joining this school."

Curriculum and teaching - Strong standard. "Leaders are well informed about the quality of the curriculum."

Leadership and governance - Strong standard. "Leaders, including governors, have an insightful understanding of the school's context and challenges."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain the effectiveness of their work in all areas. They should seek continued improvement, overcoming barriers and challenges, in order to drive a transformational impact for all pupils. This includes disadvantaged pupils, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, those who are known (or previously known) to children's social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing".

In its own words: "At New Rush Hall School (NRHS) our Ethos has clear vision and values. Where doors are opened, resilience built and attitudes and lives are transformed. Our aim is that all members of our school community learn together to achieve."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome to New Rush Hall School (NRHS). I am incredibly proud to lead a school that believes passionately in what every young person can achieve. Many of our pupils come to NRHS having experienced significant challenges in their lives or previous education."

The nearest other special schools to New Rush Hall School are St John's RC School (Essex) (1.1 miles, Good); Wells Park School (1.2 miles); Hatchside School (1.6 miles, Good); and Luxborough Court School (1.6 miles, Good).

19 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about New Rush Hall School (as of April 2026): 100% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 100% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (100%); the weakest, that their child feels safe (95%).

Of the 10 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 50% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 30% to a further education college.

72.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and 9.6% speak English as an additional language, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (47%), Black (23%) and Mixed (16%).

Almost every pupil at New Rush Hall School has an education, health and care plan (92 of 94 in 2026). The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

New Rush Hall School provides for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest Underground station is Fairlop Underground Station, about 680 metres away (roughly a 8-minute walk).

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is New North Road Fullwell Cross, 30 metres away.

In 2024/25, New Rush Hall School issued 19 suspensions, 20.9 for every 100 pupils, and no permanent exclusions.