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
Beckfoot Phoenix
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 2-11. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Braithwaite Avenue, BD22 6HZ
Beckmead College
Special School
Beckmead College is a special school based in London. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Tennison Road, SE25 5RR
Beckmead Moundwood Academy
Special School
Beckmead Moundwood Academy is a special school based in Harlow. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Commonside Road, CM18 7EZ
Beckmead Park Academy
Special School
Beckmead Park Academy is a special school based in Beckenham. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Monks Orchard Road, BR3 3BZ
Bedelsford School
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 2-19. SEN: VI - Visual Impairment, OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability, 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
Grange Road, KT1 2QZ
Beech Lodge School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 7-18. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Stubbings Lane, Henley Road, SL6 6QL
Beechcliffe Special School
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, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Green Head Road, Utley, BD20 6ED
Beechwood College
Special School
Beechwood College is a special school based in Sully. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Hays Road, CF64 5SE
Begdale House School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 10-17. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Begdale Road, Elm, PE14 0AZ
Belgrave School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 6-16. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty
The Willows, 159 Four Acres, Withywood, BS13 8RA
Belmont Park School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 11-16. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Leyton Green Road, Leyton, Waltham Forest, E10 6DB
Belmont School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 5-18. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale, BB4 6RX
Belmont School
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 4-16. SEN: MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Warden Hill Road, GL51 3AT
Belong School Devon
Special School
Belong School Devon is a special school based in Exeter. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Grace Road West, Marsh Barton, EX2 8PU
Belong School Gloucestershire
Special School
Belong School Gloucestershire is a special school based in Slimbridge. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Wild Goose Lodge, Shepherds Patch, GL2 7BP
Belvue 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, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health, MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment, PD - Physical Disability, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty
Rowdell Road, UB5 6AG
Bemix
Special School
Bemix is a special school based in Canterbury. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
University Road, Unit 44, CT2 7FG
Benjamin College
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 12-18. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Benjamin UK, Coach House, White House Court, Hockliffe Street, LU7 1FD
Bennerley Fields School
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 2-16. SEN: SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty
Stratford Street, Cotmanhay, DE7 8QZ
Bensham Manor School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 11-19. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Ecclesbourne Road, CR7 7BN
Benton Dene School
Special School
Foundation special school. Ages 4-11. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Hailsham Avenue, Longbenton, NE12 8FD
Benton House School
Special School
Benton House School is a special school based in Benton. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Benton House, Front Street, NE7 7XE
Bents Green School
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 11-19. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Ringinglow Road, S11 7TB
Beormund Primary School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 5-11. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Crosby Row, Long Lane, SE1 3PS
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.