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
Alfriston School
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 11-18. SEN: MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Penn Road, Knotty Green, HP9 2TS
All Saints School
Special School
All Saints School is a special school based in Norwich. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
School Road, Lessingham, Stalham, NR12 0DJ
All's Well
Special School
All's Well is a special school based in Fareham. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
18 High Street, PO16 7AF
Allerthorpe School
Special School
Allerthorpe School is a special school based in Pocklington. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Innov8 Business Park, Carr Lane, YO42 1NT
ALP Leicester
Special School
ALP Leicester is a special school based in Leicester. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Stonehill Avenue, Birstall, LE4 4JG
ALP Nuneaton
Special School
ALP Nuneaton is a special school. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Holman Way, Nuneaton, CV11 4PN
ALP Sittingbourne
Special School
ALP Sittingbourne is a special school based in Sittingbourne. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
60, Bell, Road, ME10 4HE
Alpha Learning Staffordshire
Special School
Alpha Learning Staffordshire is a special school based in Stoke-On-Trent. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Hobson Street, Burslem, ST6 2AW
Alt Bridge School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 11-19. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, VI - Visual Impairment, OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability, HI - Hearing Impairment, SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Wellcroft Road, Huyton, L36 7TA
Alternative Education Service - The Beacon Centre
Special School
Alternative Education Service - The Beacon Centre is a special school based in South Shields. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Temple Park Road, NE34 0QA
Amberleigh Therapeutic School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 11-18. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
The Oaks, Redhill, TF2 9NZ
Amberley Court School
Special School
Amberley Court School is a special school based in Crawley. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
County Oak Cottage, 9 Amberley Court, RH11 7XL
Ambitious College
Special School
Ambitious College is a special school based in London. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Pears Campus At West Thames College, London Road, Isleworth, TW7 4HS
Amwell View School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 2-19. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Station Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8EH
Ancora House School
Special School
Ancora House School is a special school based in Chester. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Countess of Chester Health Park, Liverpool Road, CH2 1BQ
Anderida Learning Centre
Special School
Anderida Learning Centre is a special school based in Eastbourne. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Neville Mews, 6a Neville Road, BN22 8HR
Apple Orchard School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 11-18. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Apple Orchard School, Five Oaks Road, Slinfold, RH13 0RQ
Applebee Wood School
Special School
Applebee Wood School is a special school based in Preston. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Far Croft, Lostock Hall, PR5 5SS
Applefields School
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 11-19. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, VI - Visual Impairment, OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability, HI - Hearing 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
Bad Bargain Lane, Burnholme, YO31 0LW
Appleford School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 7-18. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability
Elston Lane, Shrewton, SP3 4HL
Appletree School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 6-12. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Natland, LA9 7QS
APTCOO - A Place to Call Our Own
Special School
APTCOO - A Place to Call Our Own is a special school based in Newark. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
North Farm House, Worksop Road, Budby, NG22 9EX
Arbour House School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 6-18. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
15-17 Glendinning Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7QF
Arbour Vale School
Special School
Arbour Vale School is a special school based in Slough. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Farnham Road, Farnham Royal, SL2 3AE
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.