Gosden House School
Community special school in Guildford (Surrey).
Location
iSchool location from Get Information about Schools. Nearby schools are coloured by phase. Open Map+ for a full-screen map with neighbourhood deprivation (England only).About
iWritten by WhatSchool from official school data (Get Information about Schools, DfE and Ofsted).A school with a rich history and a bright future Gosden House is an outstanding school for young people with learning and additional needs, from 4-16 years of age. Set in extensive grounds, the environment offers students the opportunity to explore and challenge the potential of learners in every aspect.
The curriculum has a strong focus on core learning skills and communication. We aim to develop resilience, creativity and social skills in order to support young people to succeed in the workplace and live rewarding, independent lives.
Learning is tailored to suit the needs of the individual and we work in partnership with families and other agencies to support learning and development for the 'whole child'. We have high expectations, and learners take pride in their achievements. We firmly believe that children facing the toughest challenges every day deserve the best chance to improve their life outcomes.
Our children are lively and enthusiastic about every opportunity they are offered and this excitement empowers them to try new things and to engage with learning. We are delighted to have retained our 'Outstanding' status in our May 2025 Ofsted inspection.
Enrichment
4 activitiesiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- Choir
- Dance
- Drama
- Forest School
Awards
1 awardiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- ArtsmarkArts and culture
Key facts
- URN
- 125452
- Type
- Community special school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Ages
- 4 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Local authority
- Surrey
- Constituency
- Godalming and Ash
- Setting
- Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
- Opened
- 1900
Governing body (11 current, 1 former)
Special schools governing body.
Leadership
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Burr | Chair of Governors | Appointed by GB/board | since 2024 · until 2028 |
Full governing body
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs Bridget Workman | Governor | Elected by school staff | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Mrs Nichola Bunn | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mrs Aggie Hiblen | Governor | Parent appointed by GB/board due to no election candidates | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mr Andrew Simpson | Governor | Parent appointed by GB/board due to no election candidates | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mrs Rochelle Richmond | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mrs Caroline Buxton | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Headteacher Rebecca Smale | Governor | Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal | since 2024 |
| Mrs Elizabeth Sutherland | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2024 · until 2028 |
| Mrs Helen Johns | Governor | Nominated by LA and appointed by GB | since 2023 · until 2027 ends 2027 |
| Mr Steven Oldfield | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2023 · until 2027 ends 2027 |
| Ms Hayley Butcher Former | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2023 · term ended 2025 |
Source: Department for Education, Get Information about Schools (governance records, as at 25 October 2026). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Names are shown as published; there are no addresses or contact details. Current and former are worked out from term end dates when the page loads. Object or ask for removal · Report an issue with this record