SCHOOL PROFILE

The Acorns School

Not applicable Pupil referral unit URN 134872
Open
Pupils 8,834,192 Latest school census
Capacity — Published school capacity
Capacity used — Pupils as a share of capacity
Age range 11 – 16 Statutory age range
OFSTED

Latest ungraded inspection

13 September 2023
Latest published outcome School remains Good
SCHOOL DETAILS

About this school

School type Pupil referral unit
Phase Not applicable
Gender Mixed
Religious character Does not apply
Local authority Lancashire
Trust Not applicable
Census date 15 January 2026
PUPIL PROFILE

School community

Latest published pupil characteristics for 2025/26.

2025/26
Total pupils 74 74 full-time · 0 part-time
Female pupils 32 43.2% of pupils
Male pupils 42 56.8% of pupils

Free school meals

Pupils eligible for free school meals.

64.9%
40.1 pts above England
School 64.9%
West Lancashire 22.2%
North West 28.5%
England 24.8%

English as an additional language

Pupils whose first language is not English.

1.4%
18.9 pts below England
School 1.4%
West Lancashire 7.2%
North West 18.1%
England 20.3%

Young carers

Pupils recorded as young carers.

0.0%
1.0 pts below England
School 0.0%
West Lancashire 0.3%
North West 0.8%
England 1.0%

Ethnicity

Largest recorded pupil groups.

White British
89.2%
66
Any other White background
6.8%
5
Any other Black background
1.4%
1
Any other ethnic group
1.4%
1
Gypsy / Roma
1.4%
1
Council, regional and national comparisons are pupil-weighted using published school census counts.
ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Special educational needs

Pupils receiving SEN support or with an education, health and care plan.

2025/26
Pupils with SEN 43.2% 32 of 74 pupils
22.4 pts above England England: 20.8%
School 43.2%
West Lancashire 21.8%
North West 22.1%
England 20.8%
SEN support 31.1% 23 pupils
England 14.8% 16.3 pts above
EHC plans 12.2% 9 pupils
England 6.0% 6.1 pts above
PRIMARY NEEDS

Most common identified needs

Pupils
Social, emotional & mental health 28
Hearing impairment 1
Moderate learning difficulty 1
Physical disability 1
Speech, language & communication 1

SEN comparisons are pupil-weighted using published 2025/26 Department for Education school-level data. Primary needs combine pupils receiving SEN support and pupils with EHC plans.

Sources: Department for Education · Get Information about Schools · Ofsted monthly management information