247
Pupils · 2024/25
9%
EAL · 2024/25
27%
Persistent abs. · 2024/25
Performance data for special schools may use different measures or have limited headline GCSE publication.
Ofsted inspection
Good
Ofsted inspection · 21/05/2024
Inadequate
Requires improvement
Good
Outstanding
Local authoritySomerset
PhaseAll-through with sixth form
School typeSpecial school
Pupil : teacher ratio6.2:1
AdmissionsNot applicable
Religious characterDoes not apply
StatusOpen
Overview of Polden Bower School · All-through · Somerset
Pupils & context
2024/25
Pupils on roll
247
Pupil : teacher ratio
6.2
Workforce data · 2025/26
EAL
9%
FSM eligible
44%
SEN
100%
Overall absence
10%
Persistent absence
27%
Contact
Address
Bower Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 4GU
Local authority
Somerset
Telephone
Email
—
History
All years · Historical DfE data by academic year
Pupils & absence
| Year | Pupils | Pupil:teacher | SEN | EAL | FSM ever | Absence | Persistent absence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 247 | 7.1 | 100% | 9% | 44% | 10% | 27% |
| 2023/24 | 223 | 6.8 | 100% | 10% | 48% | 10% | 30% |
| 2022/23 | 194 | 7.1 | 100% | 9% | 45% | 9% | 27% |
| 2021/22 | 171 | 6.4 | 100% | 9% | 45% | 11% | 39% |
| 2020/21 | 91 | 6.6 | 100% | 10% | 45% | — | — |
| 2018/19 | 88 | 5.5 | 100% | 4% | 62% | 4% | 10% |
| 2017/18 | 79 | 5.5 | 100% | 6% | 62% | 6% | 11% |
| 2016/17 | 76 | 7.6 | 100% | 7% | 55% | 6% | 21% |
School performance data © Crown copyright. Source: Department for Education.