Special Schools
Special schools offer small classes, specialist staff, and built-in therapy for children whose needs go beyond what mainstream can provide.
Typical cost
Free (state) / £30k–£80k+ (independent)
NHS wait
N/A (EHCP placement)
Session length
Full-time education
2,400 providers found
Acorns School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 5-17. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
19b Hibbert Lane, Marple, SK6 7NN
Acre View Primary School
Special School
Acre View Primary School is a special school based in Liverpool. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
286 Southport Road, Lydiate, Sefton, L31 4EQ
Acre Wood Academy
Special School
Acre Wood Academy is a special school based in Crowborough. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Church Road, TN6 1BN
Act Fast NL Ltd
Special School
Act Fast NL Ltd is a special school based in Scunthorpe. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Kieradan Park, North Moor Lane, Messingham, DN17 3PS
Activate
Special School
Activate is a special school based in Kirby. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
The Bracknell Centre, Bracknell Avenue, L32 9PW
Active Learning Trust Linc 19 - 25
Special School
Active Learning Trust Linc 19 - 25 is a special school based in Ely. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Downham Road, CB6 1BD
Active Support Education Centre
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 11-16. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Unit 1 Britannia Estates, Leagrave Road, Luton, LU3 1RJ
Addington School
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 3-19. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, VI - Visual Impairment, SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health, MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment, PD - Physical Disability, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, RG5 3EU
Addington Valley Academy
Special School
Addington Valley Academy is a special school based in Croydon. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Fieldway, CR0 9AZ
Adelaide Heath Academy
Special School
Academy special sponsor led. Ages 8-18. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Longridge, WA16 8PA
Adelaide School
Special School
Adelaide School is a special school based in Crewe. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Adelaide Street, CW1 3DT
ADO River Valley School
Special School
ADO River Valley School is a special school based in Welling. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Poets Corner Centre, 19a Keats Road, DA16 3NB
Adventure Wellbeing School
Special School
Adventure Wellbeing School is a special school based in Northwich. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Sherwood House, Gadbrook Road, Rudheath, CW9 7TN
Aegir - A Specialist Academy
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 11-19. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, VI - Visual Impairment, HI - Hearing Impairment, SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment, PD - Physical Disability, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Sweyn Lane, DN21 1PB
Agricultural and Rural Centre
Special School
Agricultural and Rural Centre is a special school based in Stockport. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
5 Quarry Road, Romiley, SK6 4BA
Aidenswood School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 11-17. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
48 Parson Street, CW12 4ED
Aim Habonim
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 0-25. SEN: PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
51 Rigby Street, M7 4NX
Albright Education Centre
Special School
Albright Education Centre is a special school based in Tipton. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
South Tipton Campus Site, Alexandra Road, DY4 7NR
Alchemy School
Special School
Alchemy School is a special school based in Gillingham. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
105 Nelson Road, ME7 4LT
Alderman Knight School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 7-19. SEN: OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability, SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Ashchurch Road, GL20 8JJ
Alderwasley Hall School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 5-20. SEN: SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Higg Lane, Alderwasley, Belper, DE56 2SR
AldridgeUTC@MediaCityUK
Special School
University technical college. Phase: Secondary. Ages 13-19
100- 102 Broadway, M50 2UW
Alexandra School
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 4-11. SEN: MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Alexandra Avenue, South Harrow, HA2 9DX
Alfreton Park Community Special School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 2-19. SEN: SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty
Alfreton Park, Wingfield Road, DE55 7AL
Finding the right special school
Choosing a school for a child with SEND is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. Special schools cater specifically to children whose needs can't be fully met in mainstream settings. They offer smaller classes, specialist staff, adapted environments, and therapeutic support built into the school day.
What they do
Special schools provide education tailored to children with a range of needs — from moderate learning difficulties to complex physical and medical needs. Most have on-site therapists (speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy), specialist teaching approaches, sensory rooms, and outdoor learning spaces. The curriculum is adapted to each child's level and focuses on functional skills alongside academics.
When to seek help
A special school might be right if your child is significantly struggling in mainstream despite support, if their needs require specialist facilities or very small class sizes, if they need therapeutic input throughout the day, or if mainstream schooling is causing them significant distress. Your child will typically need an EHCP that names the school.
What to expect
Visit several schools before deciding. Look at how staff interact with children, how calm and structured the environment feels, and whether the school's specialism matches your child's needs. Most special schools offer taster visits. Class sizes are usually 6 to 12 children with at least 2 adults. Transport is often provided by the Local Authority.
Typical costs
State-funded special schools are free — placement is agreed through the EHCP process. Independent special schools can cost £30,000 to £80,000+ per year and are sometimes funded by Local Authorities where they're named in an EHCP. If you believe your child needs a specific independent school, you may need to make the case at tribunal.