How do I find a special school near me?

Enter your postcode in the search box and SEN2gether lists the nearest special schools, pupil referral units and independent SEND schools, with the distance to each, the needs they support and how to get in touch.

What is a special school?

A special school is a school specifically for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), usually for children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Provision is tailored to specific needs such as autism, SEMH or physical disabilities.

What does Section 41 mean?

Section 41 independent special schools are approved by the Secretary of State, which means a local authority can name them in a child's EHCP in the same way as a maintained special school.

Is this information official?

Yes. The data comes from the Department for Education's Get Information About Schools service, covering England. Always confirm details and admissions directly with the school and your local authority, as information can change.

Can other parents tell me about a school?

Join the SEN2gether community to ask other parents and carers about specific schools and share experiences on the SEND journey.

Special schools in Essex: 30 SEND schools

Special school

Athena School

Other independent special school · Ages 8–17 · Canvey Island · SS8 0HN

School	Type	Ofsted	Ages	Town
Athena School	Special school	–	8–17	Canvey Island	View details
Cambian Great Dunmow School	Special school	–	11–19	Essex	View details
Cedar Hall School	Special school	–	4–16	Benfleet	View details
Clarity Independent School	Special school	–	6–17	Chelmsford	View details
Compass Community School Essex	Special school	–	11–17	ESSEX	View details
Doucecroft School	Special school	–	3–19	Colchester	View details
Glenwood School	Special school	Outstanding	3–19	Benfleet	View details
Harlow Fields School and College	Special school	–	3–19	Harlow	View details
High Trees	Special school	–	11–17	London	View details
Learn and Prosper School	Special school	–	7–14	Clacton-on-Sea	View details
Luxborough Court School	Special school	–	5–19	IG7 5AA	View details
Minerva Independent School	Special school	–	8–17	Clacton-on-Sea	View details
Octavia House Schools, Essex	Special school	–	5–16	CM2 7HH	View details
Omnia Foundation	Special school	–	12–17	SS6 9DT	View details
Shorefields School	Special school	Outstanding	3–19	Clacton-on-Sea	View details
St John's RC School (Essex)	Special school	Good	5–19	Woodford Bridge	View details
Teaseldown School	Special school	–	11–19	Halstead	View details
The Belsteads School	Special school	–	10–17	Essex	View details
The Edith Borthwick School	Special school	Good	3–19	Braintree	View details
The Tower School	Special school	–	11–18	CM16 4BA	View details
The Yellow House School	Special school	–	13–17	Halstead	View details
Woodcroft School	Special school	–	5–13	Loughton	View details
Woodend Farm School	Special school	–	6–16	Witham	View details
Beckmead Moundwood Academy	PRU	–	4–16	Harlow	View details
Children's Support Service	PRU	Good	5–16	Wickford	View details
Fast Progress Tuition Limited	Independent (S41)	–	16–19	Canvey Island	View details
Mid Essex Co-Operative Academy	PRU	–	5–16	Maldon	View details
North East Essex Co-operative Academy	PRU	Good	4–16	Colchester	View details
Poplar Adolescent Unit	PRU	Good	11–18	Rochford	View details
The St Aubyn Centre Education Department	PRU	Outstanding	13–18	Colchester	View details

Special schools in Essex

30 SEND schools in Essex

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