Special Schools in Bristol
Special schools offer small classes, specialist staff, and built-in therapy for children whose needs go beyond what mainstream can provide. Browse 9 providers in Bristol, Bristol.
9 providers found
Belgrave School
Special School
Other independent special school. Ages 6-16. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty
The Willows, 159 Four Acres, Withywood, BS13 8RA
Claremont School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 2-19. SEN: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, PD - Physical Disability, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Henleaze Park, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 4LR
Briarwood School
Special School
Community special school. Ages 3-19. SEN: SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, VI - Visual Impairment, OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability, HI - Hearing Impairment, SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment, PD - Physical Disability, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Briar Way, Fishponds, BS16 4EA
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
Avonside School
Special School
Avonside School is a special school based in Bristol. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
23 Clothier Road, BS4 5PS
Castlefell School
Special School
Castlefell School is a special school based in Bristol. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Silverhill Brake, Rudgeway, BS35 3NS
Culverhill School
Special School
Culverhill School is a special school based in Bristol. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Kelston Close, Yate, BS37 8SZ
Digitech Studio School
Special School
Digitech Studio School is a special school based in Bristol. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Tower Road North, Warmley, BS30 8XQ
Bristol Hospital Education Service
Special School
Bristol Hospital Education Service is a special school based in Bristol. They support children and young people with special educational needs.
Falkland Road, Montpelier, BS6 5JL
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.
SEND services in Bristol
Bristol City Council has invested in its SEND services in recent years following a Local Area SEND Inspection. The council's 0-25 SEND Team coordinates support across education, health, and social care. Bristol has an active parent carer community and several SEND-specific charities that offer additional support beyond statutory services.
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.