Watermill School, Stoke-on-Trent

From the headteacher's welcome: ""Our vision is to deliver personalised, high-quality teaching that empowers every learner to flourish. We foster an inclusive community where all feel valued, and we maintain high aspirations to prepare pupils for adulthood." Kindness: We look after each other, use kind words and make sure everyone feels welcome."

The nearest other special schools to Watermill School are The Oaks (1 mile, Good); The Nest (1.3 miles, Good); Alpha Learning Staffordshire (1.9 miles, Requires improvement); and North Road Academy (2.2 miles, Good).

Watermill School is one of 7 schools run by Orchard Community Trust, an academy trust.

Of the 21 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 100% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 19% to a further education college.

51.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and 1.2% speak English as an additional language, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (63%) and Asian (18%).

Almost every pupil at Watermill School has an education, health and care plan (254 of 254 in 2026). The most common need among them is a severe learning difficulty.

Watermill School provides for pupils with visual impairment, hearing impairment, speech, language and communication needs, autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, physical disability, moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties.

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

13 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St Michael's Road (adjacent), 100 metres away.

In 2024/25, Watermill School issued 16 suspensions, 6.7 for every 100 pupils, and no permanent exclusions.