The Universal Farm, Midsomer Norton

Special
Other independent special school
Mixed
Ages 47

Data last updated 11 Sept 2026

Location

Key Information

DfE GIAS
Head:Charlotte Lucas
LA:Bath and North East Somerset
Address:Manor Farm, Millards Hill, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2BW
Status:open
Opened:13 April 2026

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 7 months ago
-

Overall

Inspected 18 February 2026View full report
URN:152278
Diocese:Not applicable
Constituency:Frome and East Somerset
Urban/Rural:Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

Ofsted Insights

What This School Does Well

The Universal Farm offers a unique learning environment that combines high-quality education with therapeutic support tailored to pupils with autism and ADHD. Teachers use the farm and natural surroundings to make learning engaging and real, helping children understand concepts through hands-on experience. The school prioritizes pupil wellbeing through trained staff and structured support, ensuring each child can access the full curriculum and thrive.

Key Strengths

  • Clear vision and experienced leadership team with substantial expertise in special educational needs
  • Comprehensive, well-planned curriculum making effective use of the farm setting to enrich learning
  • Strong safeguarding arrangements with trained designated safeguarding leads and robust systems in place
  • Extensive staff training program including therapeutic interventions to support pupil wellbeing
  • Well-structured approach to assessment with checkpoints to track pupil progress

Safeguarding

Safeguarding arrangements are effective and well-considered, following statutory guidance with designated safeguarding leads in place and staff trained in Keeping Children Safe in Education and contextual safeguarding.

Extracurricular Activities

Animal care (pigs, horses, chickens), food cultivation, land conservation, visits and external visitors, celebration of cultural events (Diwali, Harvest Festival, Chinese New Year)

The Universal Farm is a proposed independent school specializing in education for pupils with autism and ADHD, set on a farm with a curriculum centered on stewardship and engagement with the natural world. The school is likely to meet all independent school standards if registered.

At a Glance

No

Boarding

No

Nursery

No

Sixth Form

No

Special Measures

Getting There

Bus Stops

Valley Walk (S-bound)
196m · 3 min walk
Long Barnaby (E-bound)
342m · 6 min walk
Welton Primary School (W-bound)
380m · 6 min walk
High Street - Top (S-bound)
507m · 8 min walk
Wheelers Hill (E-bound)
579m · 9 min walk
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Capacity & Demand

Area Demand Pressure - Midsomer Norton

Low pressure
New homes approved:63
Projected new pupils:11

Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Midsomer Norton

Admissions Demand - Bath and North East Somerset

Low demand0.70x oversubscription

Places available

2,436

Applications

1,707

Got 1st preference

92.3%

Got preferred school

98.5%

Secondary admissions across Bath and North East Somerset (2025/26)

Inspection History

18 February 2026

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