Special Schools in Sunderland

Special schools offer small classes, specialist staff, and built-in therapy for children whose needs go beyond what mainstream can provide. Browse 13 providers in Sunderland, Sunderland.

Typical cost: Free (state) / £30k–£80k+ (independent)NHS wait: N/A (EHCP placement)Session: Full-time education

13 providers found

Ofsted Listed

Barbara Priestman Academy

Special School

Academy special converter. Ages 11-19. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty

Sunderland

Meadowside, SR2 7QN

Autism / ASDLearning Disability
Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

Columbia Grange School

Special School

Academy special converter. Ages 5-11. SEN: SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty

Sunderland

Oxclose Road, NE38 7NY

Autism / ASDLearning DisabilitySpeech & Language Delay
Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

Education and Services for People with Autism

Special School

Special post 16 institution. Ages 16-25. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Sunderland

Ferryboat Lane, SR5 3RL

Autism / ASD
Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

North View Academy

Special School

Academy special converter. Ages 4-11. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health

Sunderland

St. Lukes Road, South Hylton, SR4 0HB

Autism / ASDSocial, Emotional & Mental Health
Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

Portland Academy

Special School

Academy special converter. Ages 11-19. SEN: SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty

Sunderland

Weymouth Road, Chapelgarth, SR3 2NQ

Learning Disability
Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

Sunningdale School

Special School

Community special school. Ages 2-11. SEN: SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty

Sunderland

Doxford Park Way, SR3 2PP

Learning Disability
Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

Thornhill Park School

Special School

Other independent special school. Ages 4-19. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty

Sunderland

Portland Road, Plains Farm, SR3 1SS

Autism / ASDLearning Disability
Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

Beacon of Light School

Special School

Beacon of Light School is a special school based in Sunderland. They support children and young people with special educational needs.

Sunderland

Vaux Brewery Way, Stadium Park, SR5 1SN

Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

Endeavour SR

Special School

Endeavour SR is a special school based in Sunderland. They support children and young people with special educational needs.

Sunderland

54 John Street, SR1 1QH

Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

Trinity Academy New Bridge

Special School

Trinity Academy New Bridge is a special school based in Sunderland. They support children and young people with special educational needs.

Sunderland

Craigshaw Road, SR5 3NF

Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

The Link School

Special School

The Link School is a special school based in Sunderland. They support children and young people with special educational needs.

Sunderland

Swindon Road, SR3 4EE

Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

Ashbrooke School

Special School

Other independent special school. Ages 5-19. SEN: SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health

Sunderland

Ashbrooke Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR2 7JA

Autism / ASDSocial, Emotional & Mental HealthSpeech & Language Delay
Ages 025View details
Ofsted Listed

Harry Watts Academy

Special School

Harry Watts Academy is a special school based in Sunderland. They support children and young people with special educational needs.

Sunderland

Ramillies Road, SR5 5JA

Ages 025View details

About special schools

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.

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.

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.