Oaklands School, Winsford

In its own words: "Oaklands School is a secondary school for pupils with special educational needs. All students attending have an education and health care plan. We believe in making a lasting difference, by giving students the tools to meet the challenges of the future."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Oaklands is a child-centred outstanding school, where pupils learn in a nurturing and happy environment. We are a special school for pupils from 11 to 17 years of age with moderate learning difficulties. The caring environment provided by the excellent and supportive staff, enables pupils to achieve their potential and experience many enriching and positive experiences."

The nearest other special schools to Oaklands School are Hebden Green Community School (0.4 miles); Petty Pool College (3.3 miles); Cloughwood Academy (4.3 miles, Outstanding); and Elmy Hall School (4.5 miles).

47 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Oaklands School (as of September 2025): 100% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 93% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that they would recommend the school (100%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (93%).

Of the 33 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 94% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 70% to a further education college.

42.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and 2.8% speak English as an additional language, according to the 2026 school census.

Almost every pupil at Oaklands School has an education, health and care plan (178 of 178 in 2026). The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Oaklands School provides for pupils with moderate learning difficulties.

The nearest railway station is Winsford Rail Station, about 2.1 miles away in a straight line.

13 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Montgomery Way (opposite), 150 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Oaklands School stands in is among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 160 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and public order offences. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Cheshire West and Chester (71), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Oaklands School issued 17 suspensions, 9.9 for every 100 pupils, and no permanent exclusions.