Ages 
At first glance Heathfield Knoll is a charming, semi-rural independent school set within a verdant 30 acres. Yet scratch beneath the surface and it proves to be so much more. The blend of mainstream learning with an excellent SEND and outstanding (dare we say unique) specialist resource for secondary and sixth form pupils lends parents to acknowledge, ‘Our son would not be in school if it were not for this provision’ - another pronouncing it as ‘simply life transforming’. Shared learning, enrichment and sport alongside pupils without SEND offers both ‘understanding and empathy’, say parents, giving families the ‘best of traditional education with a thoroughly modern perspective on inclusivity’.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 195 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £11,725 - £18,533 pa
- Local authority
- Worcestershire County Council
Headteacher
Head
Mr L Collins
Since September 2015, Lawrence Collins BSc PGCE MA FRGS FCCT. Attended North Halifax High School in West Yorkshire before heading to Bristol University where ‘it was always going to be geography’, then completed a PGCE at Exeter (and met his wife,
Entrance
Academically non-selective. Onsite nursery and pre-school from 3 months to 3+ years. Pupils welcomed throughout school year. Entry for reception at 4+ follows application, informal head meeting, school tour, invitational taster day (plus CAT4 test
Exit
Post GCSE, majority to King Edward VI College, Stourbridge. Small number to Worcester independents. Increasingly, Connect pupils remain for sixth form.
Latest results
In 2025, 22 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 97 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths.
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
We immediately clock that the personalised learning provision is enabled by an outstanding staff-to-pupil ratio of 1:3 (not including nursery). There’s a maximum of 20 pupils per class (most significantly fewer) and most have a TA (often more with
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- GCSE
Sixth form
Currently, 11 SEND pupils (all EHCPs) make up self-contained sixth form. A series of meeting rooms provides one-to-one teaching, group tuition or online learning. Upstairs the Retreat has a kitchen/diner plus desks and seating to work, socialise or
Learning support & SEN
‘If your child has any sort of SEND requirement Heathfield really is the number one choice in the area,’ a parent told us. Lots of staff undertake additional qualifications to support the ‘varying and ever-changing needs’. Currently, 49 per cent of
Arts & extracurricular
The music department was in festive cheer when we visited, as the recording studio geared up for this year’s Christmas single ‘Rocking Around The Christmas Tree’. Next door the music tech suite boasts 16 shiny Apple computers for music tech level 2,
Sport
‘We are not, by any means, a leading sports school,’ confesses head (no Saturday fixtures), nevertheless their trophy cabinet must be filling up – they had Midlands and national champions across a staggering array of sports when we visited, eg
Ethos & heritage
Passing through the sandstone gates of Heathfield Knoll is like stepping back in time. Over 30 acres of mixed woodland, meadow and playing fields envelop the large Victorian main school and outbuildings. There is a distinct air of calm about the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘It all starts with the needs of the individual,’ said a Key Stage lead about the pastoral approach. ‘Their ethos is… If you are happy and secure, you are best placed to learn and thrive,’ a parent clarified. Form tutors are first port of call but
Pupils & parents
Parents laud the ‘mutual respect’ between teachers and pupils which ‘imbues the whole school community’, admiring ‘old fashioned values and a homely feel’. Pupils are a gentle, easy-going, empathetic bunch, smartly turned out in grey blazers and
Money matters
Connect pupil fees are covered via their EHCP by local authority. Bursaries fund spaces for year 7 entrants (one including uniform and food) courtesy of Heathfield Education Trust.
- Fee information
- £11,725 - £18,533 pa
The last word
At first glance Heathfield Knoll is a charming, semi-rural independent school set within a verdant 30 acres. Yet scratch beneath the surface and it proves to be so much more. The blend of mainstream learning with an excellent SEND and outstanding
