Special academy · Essex

Thriftwood School

Special
Ages 5–19
Sixth form

Term dates

Special academies can set their own term dates. Many follow Essex council's dates, shown below as a guide, but check with the school, especially for INSET days.

2026/27

2027/28

See Essex's full dates

Admissions

Places at special schools are usually arranged through an education, health and care (EHC) plan, agreed with the council.

How EHC plans work on GOV.UK

Ofsted inspection

Latest graded inspection, 15 July 2025. No overall grade was given (Ofsted stopped giving one in September 2024).

Quality of education: Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding
Personal development: Outstanding
Leadership and management: Outstanding
Sixth form: Outstanding

Read the Ofsted reports

From Ofsted's published inspection data (Open Government Licence). Report cards and older grades use different scales, so they can't be compared directly.

About and location

Type: Special academy
Phase: Special
Ages: 5–19
Pupils: 279 (capacity 266)
Gender: Mixed
Academy trust: SEAX TRUST
Phone: 01245266880
Address: Slades Lane, Galleywood, Chelmsford, CM2 8RW
Website: thriftwoodschool.com

Official school record, including Ofsted reports

School details from the Department for Education's register of schools (Open Government Licence). Report a correction.