Located in Hurst Green, Oxted, Moor House is one of the few schools in the UK dedicated to supporting children with DLD, a hidden but common communication disorder affecting 1 in 14 people. The school offers both residential and day placements, fostering a community where students feel secure, respected, and empowered. 

Inspectors praised the school’s high-quality, individualised care delivered within a nurturing and stable environment, noting that students benefit from consistent routines, specialist therapeutic input, and wraparound support that significantly enhance their emotional security and sense of belonging. 

The report highlighted the warm, respectful relationships between staff and students, built on trust and deep understanding. As a result, students develop the confidence to engage with their environment, form friendships, and build essential life skills. 

“This outcome reflects the unwavering commitment of our entire team to delivering exceptional care, education and therapy,” says Principal Helen Middleton.  “It’s a shared achievement that highlights the skill, compassion, and consistency our staff bring to their work every day. Most importantly, it affirms the meaningful impact this has on our students, helping them feel secure, build confidence, and thrive both personally and academically.” 

The report also highlights: 

• Carefully planned transitions prepare students for adulthood. From early secondary age, students begin exploring future aspirations, supported by staff and families to develop personalised pathways. Practical skills such as cooking, budgeting, and travel are taught alongside broader preparation for independence. 

• Students enjoy a wide range of social and recreational opportunities, which are student-led and designed to promote inclusion, community access, and cultural understanding. Recent enrichment activities have included themed cultural evenings, cinema trips, football, guided meditation, and seasonal events such as pumpkin picking and lantern festivals, all contributing to students’ self-esteem and sense of community. 

• Safeguarding as a central priority, embedded across all aspects of the school. Inspectors praised the school’s swift, thorough, and proportionate responses to concerns, as well as its strong commitment to multi-agency working. Staff were recognised for their deep understanding of individual needs and their ability to identify and respond to subtle changes in behaviour, ensuring early and sensitive intervention. 

• The school also provides effective health support, with experienced healthcare staff managing complex medical needs and liaising with external professionals to ensure students’ physical well-being. 

• Leadership and management are highly effective, with leaders modelling a reflective, student-centred approach. Long-serving staff spoke highly of the leadership culture, describing it as supportive, open, and empowering. Staff benefit from high-quality training and professional development, including safeguarding, trauma-informed care, autism, mental health, and communication. 

This Outstanding rating reinforces Moor House School & College position as a leader in specialist education for children and young people with DLD, and the school remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation. 

The full inspection report is available to download below