Site menu

State funded special schools

State funded special schools provide special educational needs (SEN) support for children and young people.

Children and young people who attend a special school need SEN support over and above what is available in a mainstream school. How mainstream education providers should support children with SEND.

All pupils who attend a special school will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Most children with an EHC plan will attend their local mainstream school, not a special school.

Special schools are generally smaller than mainstream schools. The demand for places is very high.

Admissions to special schools

We process all special school admissions. Read the admissions process for special schools.

Types of special school

Complex needs special schools

These are for children and young people with a significant learning disability alongside other needs.

These might be communication, emotional, physical or medical needs.

Special schools

These are for children and young people with a main special educational need other than learning. For example:

  • Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
  • Social communication disorder
  • Social, emotional and mental health needs

A child or young person would be expected to manage a mainstream curriculum in a special school.

Share this page