Best State Secondary Schools in South West

Selworthy Special School is a co-ed all-through school in Somerset West and Taunton, catering to students aged 4-19 with special educational needs. With a low student-teacher ratio of 6:1, dedicated teachers and assistants provide individualized support for students with autism spectrum disorder, moderate to severe learning difficulties, and profound and multiple learning difficulties. The school, led by Mr Mark Ruffett, offers a nurturing environment where every child receives personalized attention to thrive academically and socially.

Exeter House Special School is a dedicated and supportive school in Salisbury, South West. With a strong focus on core skills and life development, the school offers a nurturing environment for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Severe Learning Difficulty (SLD). Led by a highly ambitious headteacher, the leadership team ensures a rigorous approach to safeguarding and a commitment to meeting the academic and pastoral needs of each pupil. Although there is room for improvement in terms of distributed leadership and communication with parents, the school's dedicated staff and opportunities for staff development make it an excellent choice for parents seeking a school that prioritizes their child's education and well-being.

Culverhill School is a thriving and ambitious middle deemed secondary school located in Yate, South West. With a student teacher ratio of 8:1, our dedicated staff provide individualized attention to ensure academic success. Our curriculum prepares students for the future, while prioritizing their mental health and emotional well-being. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, giving parents peace of mind. Join our supportive and inclusive community today!

New Siblands School is an all-through co-educational institution located in Thornbury, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, our school provides individualized attention and support to students aged 2-19 with severe learning difficulties. Our dedicated staff of 19.1 full-time teachers and 46 assistant teachers ensure a nurturing environment for your child's education. We offer nursery classes and a sixth form program, and although we do not have boarding facilities, our focus on academic excellence and inclusive learning makes us the ideal choice for parents seeking a supportive educational setting. With a diverse student population and a commitment to SEN support, New Siblands School provides a caring and inclusive atmosphere that promotes personal growth and achievement. Join us at New Siblands School, where every student matters and every success is celebrated.

Glendinning Academy is a supportive and inclusive school located in Newton Abbot. With a focus on practical instruction and individualized learning, our curriculum helps students aged 7-19 with social interaction and communication struggles, including autism. Our emphasis on outdoor learning enhances social, emotional, and communication skills.

Soundwell Academy is an all-through school located in South Gloucestershire, providing high-quality education for students aged 5-18. With a small school size of 136, we prioritize small class sizes and individualized attention. Our dedicated staff, led by Mr Craig Abbs, foster a welcoming and familial environment, ensuring that every student feels supported and valued. We offer a comprehensive curriculum and have a strong focus on the holistic development of our students. As an inclusive school, we celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment for all. With a sixth form and no boarding facilities, Soundwell Academy aims to prepare students for success in their future endeavors.

Portfield School is an all-through co-ed school located in Hurn, South West. With a history dating back to 1971, the school offers education for students aged 4-19. Under the leadership of Mrs Anna Hewitt, the school has shown great progress, achieving a Good rating from Ofsted. The school caters to students with ASD and SLD, ensuring their needs are met effectively. With a strong focus on safeguarding, impressive relationships, and a conducive learning environment, Portfield School provides a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere for students to thrive. While the quality of teaching can be improved, the school is committed to ongoing development and improvement.

Curnow School is an outstanding all-through school in Redruth, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides individualized education for students with severe learning difficulties. The leadership team maintains high expectations and a flexible curriculum prepares pupils well for their next steps. Safeguarding is effective and the school offers a nurturing and inclusive environment. With a focus on learning, safety, and preparation for the future, Curnow School is an excellent choice for students with special educational needs.

Doubletrees School is a highly inclusive and nurturing learning environment, dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and a strong focus on individualized support, our school ensures that each child receives the attention they need to thrive. Our innovative and interesting curriculum delivery, coupled with our commitment to fostering wider friendships, prepares students well for their futures. With a track record of success, including impressive exam results, Doubletrees School provides a happy and stimulating environment where every child belongs, has fun, and achieves their goals.

Nancealverne School is an all-through school located in Penzance, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides a supportive and caring environment for students aged 2-19. Led by Headteacher Ruth Carpenter, the school offers a range of SEN support for students with various learning difficulties. Attendance rates have improved, emphasizing the school's commitment to student welfare and development. Although middle leaders may require further development, Nancealverne School continues to provide a good quality education with a strong focus on fostering independence in learning.

SGS Pegasus School is a co-educational all-through school located in Patchway, South West. With a student to teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides individualized attention and support for students aged 4-18. The dedicated staff, including 10 full-time teachers and 19 assistant teachers, ensure a high-quality education. Additionally, the school offers a sixth form program and has a focus on supporting students with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). With a small class size and a strong emphasis on student well-being, SGS Pegasus School creates a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students.

Critchill Special School is a co-educational all-through school located in Frome. With a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and a small school size of 80 students, it offers a supportive and personalized learning environment for children aged 4-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Moderate Learning Difficulty (MLD), Severe Learning Difficulty (SLD), and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty (PMLD). The school's dedicated team of 11.8 full-time teachers and 22 assistant teachers ensures individual attention and support for each student. Critchill Special School also caters to diverse needs with 31% of students eligible for free school meals and 5% having English as their second language.

Wyvern Academy is a co-educational all-through school located in Dorset, South West. With a strong leadership team and effective safeguarding measures, the school provides a high quality education. Students consistently make strong progress, and behaviour has significantly improved. Offering nursery classes and a sixth form, the school caters to students aged 2-19 years. With a student teacher ratio of 5:1, individualized attention is given to each student. Although some activities lack structure, overall, Wyvern Academy ensures academic excellence and a safe learning environment.

The Quay School is an outstanding all-through school in Bournemouth, providing high-quality education for students aged 5-16. With a flexible and creative curriculum matched to pupils' goals and interests, the school maintains a strong focus on teaching, learning, and assessment. The staff's dedication and effective safeguarding culture ensure a safe and nurturing environment for every student.

St Rose's Special School is a dedicated and inclusive all-through school located in Stroud, South West. With passionate and dedicated staff, the school provides high-quality teaching and therapy to students aged 2-19. The school has a holistic approach to care and education, ensuring the well-being and development of each student. With effective safeguarding measures in place, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their child is in a safe environment. The wide range of subjects covered in the curriculum ensures that students receive a well-rounded education. St Rose's Special School is committed to providing support for students with special educational needs, with a focus on Visual Impairment, Speech, Language and Communication, and Physical Disability. The school prides itself on its good overall effectiveness, achievements of pupils, quality of teaching, and behaviour and safety of pupils. Although there are areas for improvement such as the precision in improving academic progress, the Governors are continuously working towards enhancing communication and checking progress more rigorously. With only a small percentage of students eligible for free school meals, St Rose's Special School offers a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

Paternoster School is a co-educational all-through school located in Cirencester. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, it provides individualized attention and support to its 63 students aged 2-17. The school offers a nurturing environment for children with various special educational needs, including visual impairment, autism spectrum disorder, and social, emotional, and mental health challenges. With dedicated staff and a small class size, Paternoster School ensures that every child receives the care and education they deserve.

Stansfield Academy is a nurturing all-through school located in Exeter. With a small school size and a dedicated team of staff, we provide a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 4-16. We are proud to have a high percentage of students eligible for free school meals, demonstrating our commitment to equal opportunities. Our focus on Special Educational Needs (SEN) support ensures that every student receives the necessary assistance to thrive academically and socially.

Notton House Academy is a boys boarding school in Lacock, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 4:1, we provide excellent instruction and differentiated curriculum to meet the needs of our students. Our holistic approach values the whole child, focusing on their social, emotional, and academic development. With a strong emphasis on support and care, we strive to help students with social, emotional, and mental health challenges succeed and reach their full potential. Our academy is part of a specialised Multi Academy Trust, ensuring sustainable provision for children in the South West.

Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education is a co-educational boarding school that provides comprehensive education and support for deaf students aged 5 to 19. Led by Mr Sylvan Dewing, the passionate and dedicated staff work tirelessly to improve teaching standards and tailor the curriculum to meet the individual needs of each student. With strong partnerships with outside agencies and a focus on personal development and welfare, the school fosters positive attitudes and good behavior among its students. Although the school requires improvement in certain areas, parents are delighted with the school's inspirational leadership and the progress their children have made.

The Shoreline Academy is a small all-through school located in Fremington, South West. With a dedicated and experienced headteacher, Mr Russell Clarke, the school offers a supportive and inclusive environment for children aged 5-16. The school has a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support. The majority of students receive SEN support, ensuring that individual needs are met. The school also has a strong focus on providing free school meals to those in need, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.