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
Aspiration House School
Special School
Aspiration House School is a special school based in Boston. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Aspiration House, Church Road, Freiston, PE22 0NX
Aspire Academy
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 5-11. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
South Gipsy Road, DA16 1JB
Aspire Academy
Special School
Aspire Academy is a special school based in Kingston-Upon-Hull. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
351 Annandale Road, Preston Road, HU9 5DE
Aspire Learning
Special School
Aspire Learning is a special school based in Croydon. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Coombe Cliff, Coombe Road, CR0 5SP
Aspire School
Special School
Free schools special. Ages 4-11. SEN: SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Vellum Drive, ME10 5DA
ASPIRE: Lifeskills
Special School
ASPIRE: Lifeskills is a special school based in Leicestershire. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Town Hall Chambers, Town Hall Passage, Loughborough, LE11 3EB
Aspris Ridgeway School
Special School
Aspris Ridgeway School is a special school based in Swindon. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
11 Manor Lane, Shrivenham, SN6 8AD
Aspris Telford School
Special School
Aspris Telford School is a special school based in Telford. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Dale Road, Coalbrookdale, TF8 7DT
Aston University Engineering Academy
Special School
University technical college. Phase: Secondary. Ages 13-19
1 Lister Street, B7 4AG
Athena School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 11-16. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
South Park, LN5 8EL
Athena School
Special School
Athena School is a special school based in Canvey Island. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
167 Thorney Bay Road, SS8 0HN
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service - Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Special School
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service - Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust Location Liverpool Family Information & SEND
L12 2AP
Aurora Beeches School
Special School
Aurora Beeches School is a special school based in Wimborne. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Aurora Boveridge College, Cranborne, BH21 5RT
Aurora Boveridge College
Special School
Aurora Boveridge College is a special school based in Wimborne. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Cranborne, BH21 5RU
Aurora Brooklands School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 9-16. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
159 Longmeanygate, Midge Hall, PR26 7TB
Aurora Cedars School
Special School
Aurora Cedars School is a special school based in Wolverhampton. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
39 Compton Road West, Compton, 39 Compton Road West, WV3 9DW
Aurora Chaldon School
Special School
Aurora Chaldon School is a special school based in Redhill. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Chaldon Rise, Rockshaw Road, Merstham, RH1 3DB
Aurora Eccles School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 11-19. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty
Quidenham, NR16 2NZ
Aurora Fairway School
Special School
Aurora Fairway School is a special school based in St Ives. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
High Leys, PE27 6AL
Aurora Foxes
Special School
Special post 16 institution. Ages 16-25. SEN: MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Selbourne Place, TA24 5TY
Aurora Hanley School
Special School
Aurora Hanley School is a special school based in Stoke On Trent. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Cambrian Way, off Eaves Lane, Bucknall, ST2 8PQ
Aurora Hedgeway School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 7-19. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Rookery Lane, BS35 4JN
Aurora Keyes Barn School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 5-12. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Station Rd, Salwick, Preston, PR4 0YH
Aurora Meldreth Manor School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 6-19. SEN: PD - Physical Disability, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty
Fenny Lane, Meldreth, SG8 6LG
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.