Best Special Need Schools in Dorset County

Linwood School is an outstanding all-through school in Bournemouth, offering education for students aged 2 to 19 years. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1 and a strong focus on supporting pupils' independence, the school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment. The dedicated leadership team and quality teaching ensure that students make exceptional progress in their learning. Safeguarding is prioritized, providing peace of mind for parents. With a range of special educational needs catered for, including autism spectrum disorder, moderate to severe learning difficulties, and profound multiple learning difficulties, Linwood School is committed to meeting the individual needs of every student.

Tregonwell Academy is an outstanding all-through school in Bournemouth, offering a high-quality education for students aged 5-16. Led by a passionate headteacher and dedicated staff, the school maintains excellent standards of teaching and leadership, ensuring the achievement and well-being of all students. With effective safeguarding measures in place, Tregonwell Academy provides a safe and engaging learning environment. While there are areas for improvement such as the need for more supported apprenticeships, the school consistently demonstrates its commitment to providing an outstanding education for its students.

Twynham School is an outstanding secondary school in Christchurch, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school prioritizes individualized attention and fosters excellent academic achievement. The school's leadership and management are highly regarded, ensuring outstanding teaching and learning. Students benefit from exceptional behavior and safety measures, while their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is strongly supported. Twynham School also offers an outstanding sixth form, providing a well-rounded education. With a focus on exceptional progress, this school is an ideal choice for parents seeking an outstanding education for their children.

The Thomas Hardye School is an outstanding secondary school located in Dorchester, South West. With exceptional teaching and leadership, the school achieves high standards of achievement in its students. It provides exceptional support for students with disabilities or special needs and offers a safe and secure learning environment. The school has a strong commitment to equality and offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its students.

Beaucroft Foundation School is an outstanding all-through school located in Colehill, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, the school provides a high-quality and supportive environment for students aged 4-19. The dedicated leadership and exceptional teaching staff ensure that each student's individual needs are met, resulting in outstanding achievement and excellent exam results. The school focuses on raising students' self-esteem, promoting lifelong learning, and preparing them for post-secondary options. Safety measures, effective safeguarding, and a wide range of therapies and activities contribute to the overall outstanding experience at Beaucroft Foundation School.

Yewstock School is an outstanding all-through school in Sturminster Newton, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a focus on speech, language, and communication skills, Yewstock provides exceptional education for students aged 2-19. The school's leadership team and teachers have been praised for their effective teaching, outstanding achievement of pupils, and strong safeguarding measures. While there may be some inconsistencies in the support for communication skills development, Yewstock School excels in overall effectiveness and offers a safe and nurturing environment for students to thrive.

The Bishop of Winchester Academy is a Church of England secondary school in Bournemouth, known for its strong moral and ethical foundation. With outstanding leadership and management, parents can trust in the excellent education and safe environment provided. The school prioritizes individual progress, with dedicated teachers supporting students to improve their work. Although results for the first cohort in sixth form were below national average, the academy has a track record of student achievement and progress, making it a top choice for families.

Malmesbury Park Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Bournemouth. With a student-teacher ratio of 22:1, the school offers a nurturing environment for children aged 3-11. The school prides itself on its inclusive approach, offering support for students with ASD and a SEN rate of 9.3%. The school's diverse community fosters a positive learning experience, with an overall grade of B- and an emphasis on academic attainment. With strong exam results and a focus on individual development, Malmesbury Park Primary School strives to provide a well-rounded education.

The Swanage School is a secondary school located in Swanage, South West. Founded in 2013, it offers a strong reputation in the local community and provides continued good quality education. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school ensures individual attention for students. It excels in care and support for vulnerable pupils, achieving good behavior and responsible students. The school also prioritizes safeguarding and has shown improvement in core subjects. While there have been variations in performance between subjects and below average attendance, the school is committed to providing a positive learning environment for its students.

Mountjoy School is an all-through school located in Beaminster, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a strong focus on inclusive education, the school provides a nurturing environment for students aged 3-19. Offering nursery classes and a sixth form, Mountjoy School prioritizes the personal development and well-being of its students. With excellent resources, a Good Ofsted rating, and a commitment to individualized learning, Mountjoy School equips students for success in their future endeavours.

Winchelsea School is an all-through co-ed school located in Parkstone, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 4-19. Offering a comprehensive range of SEN support, Winchelsea School prioritizes personalized education and outstanding behavior and attitudes. With an overall grade of B-, the school excels in resources and safety, ensuring a high-quality education for all students.

Manorside Academy is an outstanding primary school dedicated to providing high-quality education and ensuring every child reaches their full potential. With highly ambitious leaders and excellent teaching, our students make exceptional progress in all areas. We offer a motivating curriculum, a safe and nurturing environment, and strong support for students with special educational needs. Our outstanding exam results and focus on personal development make us the ideal choice for parents seeking a school that sets high expectations and prepares students for success in secondary school and beyond.

Montacute School is an all-through school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Founded in 2011, the school provides education for students aged 2 to 18 years. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, Montacute School offers personalized attention and a curriculum designed to meet the special educational needs of all pupils. The school has a strong monitoring system for teaching quality and progress, ensuring that all groups of pupils make good progress. Pupils feel safe and enjoy school, with effective safeguarding procedures in place. Montacute School also offers a well-managed early years program and a good range of studies for post-16 students.

West Moors Middle School is a co-ed middle deemed secondary school located in West Moors, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school offers a supportive learning environment for students aged 9-13. The school provides education to 215 students, with a focus on speech, language, and communication needs. With a good overall grade from Ofsted and strong exam results, West Moors Middle School ensures that students develop academically, socially, and emotionally.

Broadstone Middle School is a co-ed school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school focuses on providing a high-quality education for children aged 9-14. The school prides itself on its good overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Broadstone Middle School aims to prepare students for the challenges of the twenty-first century, fostering a culture of high expectations and providing a safe and exciting environment for academic, social, physical, cultural, and spiritual development. With a dedicated staff and strong parental involvement, the school ensures that students have the best chances to reach their full potential and become successful members of society.

Longspee School is an outstanding middle deemed primary school located in Bournemouth. With a student-teacher ratio of 4:1, the school provides a safe and nurturing environment for pupils aged 5-16. The curriculum is well-designed, ensuring that targets in pupils' education, health, and care plans are met. Teachers encourage open communication about emotions and feelings, fostering personal development and welfare. With outstanding exam results and effective safeguarding arrangements, Longspee School is an excellent choice for parents seeking a high-quality education for their children.

St Mary's Church of England Middle School in Puddletown is a welcoming and inclusive school that values academic excellence and personal growth. With a strong focus on Christian values, the school provides a supportive learning environment where students can thrive. With a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, individual attention is given to each student. The school's good overall rating from Ofsted reflects its commitment to providing a quality education. In addition, the school's exam results show high achievement in maths and reading, with 66% of students achieving GCSE 4 or higher. St Mary's Church of England Middle School is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential and preparing them for future success.

Bincombe Valley Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Littlemoor, Dorset. With an average student-teacher ratio of 21:1, the school focuses on providing a quality education for students aged 2-11. The school has a strong emphasis on personal development and welfare, with a Good rating from Ofsted. With a diverse student body, the school offers a safe and supportive learning environment. Additionally, the school has a dedicated team to support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. With a balanced academic program and positive outcomes for pupils, Bincombe Valley Primary School is an excellent choice for parents seeking a nurturing educational environment for their children.

Westfield Arts College is an outstanding all-through school located in Preston, Dorset. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, our tailored teaching programs and interventions provide excellent support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Moderate Learning Difficulty. We have effective safeguarding policies, good staff support and training, and a positive Ofsted report. Our focus on individual progress ensures each student receives the education they deserve.

Victoria Education Centre is a co-educational all-through school located in Bournemouth. With a dedicated leadership team, the school provides excellent provision for children with special needs and disabilities, offering a wide range of sporting and cultural activities for diverse experiences. The school has a positive attitude towards learning and effective safeguarding, ensuring the well-being of all students. With good progress seen in early years and post-16 provision, Victoria Education Centre is committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for all students.