Holmwood School in Middlesbrough has been named Special Education School of the Year for the fourth consecutive year in the 2025/26 Prestige Awards. Located on Saltersgill Avenue in Easterside, the school provides education for approximately 98 pupils aged 4-11 who have special educational needs, including autism and moderate learning difficulties.
Headteacher Dennis Ley, who has led the school since October 2016, credits the dedication of staff, parents, and students for the continued success. The school, which operates in an area facing significant socio-economic challenges, was rated as Outstanding in all areas during an Ofsted inspection in October 2024. Many students at the school successfully transition back into mainstream education, with some eventually going on to university.
Parents have frequently described the school as a little school of miracles, often comparing securing a place to winning the lottery. The facility has also achieved numerous national recognitions, including the Inclusion Mark and the Trauma and Attachment Award, further highlighting its commitment to student development.
Councillor Philippa Storey, the Middlesbrough Council Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Education and Culture, praised the staff and pupils for their achievement. She stated that the school serves as a blueprint for education providers across the country, noting that its consistent performance is a testament to the safe and nurturing environment created for children in the community.
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