Finding schools that provide for particular educational or medical needs

Where to start? 

On this site...

Choosing a school for any child can be difficult. When the child also has an SEN decisions are frequently harder to reach.

We haven't found a school that suits all talented athletes, exceptional academics or gifted musicians. In the same way we will never uncover a school that fits all children with hearing impairment, specific learning difficulties or other SENs.

No one school is ever perfect for all children and no child suits all schools. Fortunately we can help you with the process.

Special needs help on this website

• We list and carry basic details of all special schools in the UK, plus examination data and links to inspection reports where applicable.'
• We have thousands of responses from schools to our questionnaire about SEN provision in individual schools. These are the schools' own responses which we have not verified, so please check with individual schools for the latest information.
• We have visited and reviewed schools including more than 75 special schools, identified by parents and others who know them well, as good schools. In addition, we have reviewed 900 mainstream schools a number of which have good provision for some types of SEN  See Special schools in The Good Schools Guide
• we have lots of in depth information on numerous aspects of SEN and SEN provision and very many pointers to additional sources of help and advice.
• We have detailed exam information for all English schools which show, not only how well a school performs but, how well children with SEN do.

Provision for a child's SEN may be of overwhelming importance but try to consider your child's needs holistically. For a few severe and complex SENs, school choice may be extremely limited but, for most, choice does exist. Don't choose a school just because it says it offers provision for dyslexia or whatever, choose a school because it suits your child. If a school doesn't advertise that they cater for SEN but you like it and think it suits your child - ask. You'd be surprised how many schools that do well by children with SEN don't advertise the fact: 'we don't want to be seen as a special school'. SEN may be seen as the latest phenomenon to hit the streets with parents fighting to get the help their child deserves but that doesn't mean they want their child to be perceived as attending a school for SEN (and that's the point - so many aren't SEN schools. They're good schools that also do well by children with SEN.)

Starting points

• Seek advice from your LA about the range of school provision available locally, including special school provision. Some are more helpful and knowledgeable than others but all have a duty to help.
• For specific conditions, charities also have lists of schools they recommend for certain conditions. Some chariti...