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
3 Dimensions
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 7-25. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Chardleigh House, Chardleigh Green, Wadeford, TA20 3AJ
A.R.T.S. Education
Special School
A.R.T.S. Education is a special school based in Merseyside. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
167a Ormskirk Road, Rainford, St Helens, WA11 8HR
Abbey Court Foundation Special School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 3-19. SEN: SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Rede Court Road, Strood, ME2 3SP
Abbey Hill Academy
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 11-19. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Ketton Road, Hardwick Estate, TS19 8BU
Abbey Hill Academy & College
Special School
Academy special converter. Ages 3-19. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Box Lane, Meir, ST3 5PP
Abbey Manor College
Special School
Abbey Manor College is a special school based in London. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
40 Falmouth Close, SE12 8JP
Abbey School
Special School
Abbey School is a special school based in Rotherham. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Little Common Lane, Kimberworth, S61 2RA
Abbey School for Exceptional Children
Special School
Abbey School for Exceptional Children is a special school. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
10-12 Abbey Square, Chester, CH1 2HU
Abbey View
Special School
Abbey View is a special school based in Tewkesbury. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Gloucester Road, GL20 5SW
Abbeywood School
Special School
Abbeywood School is a special school based in Rotherham. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Rother Way, Hellaby Industrial Estate, Hellaby, S66 8QN
Abbot's Lea School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 3-19. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability, SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health, MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty
Beaconsfield Road, Woolton, L25 6EE
Abbot's Way School
Special School
Abbot's Way School is a special school. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
St Mary's Road, Meare, Glastonbury, BA6 9SR
Abigail's Place
Special School
Abigail's Place is a special school. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
St. Ann's School, Spetchley, Worcester, WR5 1RS
Abingdon House School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 5-19. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty
Broadley Terrace, NW1 6LG
Abingdon House School Purley
Special School
Abingdon House School Purley is a special school based in Purley. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Godstone Road, CR8 2AN
Access School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 5-16. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Holbrook Villa Farm, Harmer Hill, Broughton, SY4 3EW
ACE Tiverton Special School
Special School
ACE Tiverton Special School is a special school based in Tiverton. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Orchard Way, EX16 5HB
Acer Academy, Salford
Special School
Acer Academy, Salford is a special school based in Salford. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Kintyre Avenue, M5 5DP
Acorn Cottage The Lodge
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 11-16. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Ipswich Road, Elmsett, Suffolk, IP7 6NY
Acorn Free School
Special School
Acorn Free School is a special school based in Lincoln. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
248 Calder Road, Brant Road, LN5 9TL
Acorn Park School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 4-19. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Andrews Furlong, Mill Road, Banham, NR16 2HU
Acorn School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 8-16. SEN: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Seckington Cross, Winkleigh, Devon, EX19 8EY
Acorn Wood
Special School
Acorn Wood is a special school based in Shropshire. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Watery Lane, Coton, Whitchurch, SY13 3LR
Acorns Primary School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 2-11. SEN: VI - Visual Impairment, HI - Hearing Impairment, SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Moor Park, Blackpool Road, PR1 6AU
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.