Special Schools

Accredited Courses/Qualifications

Recognised certificates or awards pupils can achieve to show their learning, useful for college or future employment.

Autism (ASD)

A condition that affects how a child or young person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. Schools provide tailored support to help them learn and thrive.

Communication Needs

Extra help is needed for children or young people who find it hard to understand, express, or use language.

Inclusive Ethos

A school environment where every child or young person is valued, supported, and included, regardless of their needs.

Individualised Curriculum

A learning plan designed specifically around the strengths and needs of each child or young person.

Life-Skills Learning/Development

Teaching practical skills such as cooking, travel training, managing money, and self-care to prepare for independence.

Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)

Children or young people may find learning harder than others and need extra support with reading, writing, maths, and everyday learning.

Multi-Agency Support

Different professionals (teachers, therapists, doctors, social workers) working together to support a child or young person and their family.

Personalised Learning/Pathways

Tailored teaching and activities designed to meet each child or young person’s unique needs and abilities.

Profound Learning Difficulties (PLD)

Children or young people have very significant needs and require specialist teaching, therapies, and personal care.

Severe or Complex Learning Difficulties (SLD/CLD)

Pupils need high levels of support in most areas of learning, including communication, independence, and life skills.

Sensory Impairments

Children or young people may have hearing or vision difficulties that affect how they access learning.

Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH)

Children or young people may struggle with managing emotions, relationships, or behaviour. Schools offer nurturing support and strategies to build resilience.

Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)

Some children or young people need targeted support to develop their speaking, listening, and understanding skills.

Therapy Support

Specialist services like speech therapy, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy to help children or young people’s development.

Halesbury School supports 4–19-year-olds with moderate to severe learning difficulties, including autism and communication needs. It provides a nurturing environment with personalised learning, therapy support, life-skills development, and accredited courses to prepare pupils for adulthood and independence.

• https://www.halesbury.dudley.sch.uk/ 

Pens Meadow School supports 3–19-year-olds with severe, complex, and profound learning difficulties, including autism and sensory impairments. Across two sites, it offers personalised pathways, therapy services, life-skills learning, and post-16 accredited courses.

• https://www.pens-meadow.dudley.sch.uk/ 

Rosewood School caters for boys aged 9–16 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. It provides small classes, targeted interventions, and a nurturing environment to foster resilience and academic progress.

• https://www.rosewood.dudley.sch.uk/ 

Sutton School supports 11–16-year-olds with moderate learning difficulties, autism, and additional needs. It provides a caring environment with personalised learning, therapy support, life-skills education, and accredited qualifications. The school focuses on building confidence, independence, and preparing pupils for further education, training, or employment.

• https://www.sutton.dudley.sch.uk/ 

The Brier School caters to pupils aged 4–16 with moderate, severe, and complex learning and communication difficulties. Recognised for its inclusive ethos and personalised curriculum, the school offers a supportive environment that prepares students for life beyond education.

• https://www.brier.dudley.sch.uk/ 

The Old Park School provides education for 4–19-year-olds with complex needs, including autism, sensory impairments, and medical needs. Offering a personalised, broad curriculum alongside specialist therapies and multi-agency support, the school focuses on developing independence, communication, and life skills within a safe, inclusive community.

• https://www.oldpark.org/ 

Woodsetton School serves 4–11-year-olds with speech, language and communication needs, autism, and moderate learning difficulties. It delivers an individualised curriculum in a supportive, community-focused environment.

• https://www.woodsetton.dudley.sch.uk/