Showing 1-9 of 11 schools
Special Schools in Derby
There are 11 special schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Derby. Together they support a range of needs, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty. Schools listed here span ages 2 to 19.
All special schools by areaHow special-school admissions work in Derby
Special-school places are allocated through the EHCP process and the local authority, not through academic selection or the standard admissions round. That is why this page presents provision and inspection quality rather than a league-table position.
It starts with an EHCP
Most special-school places require an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The plan sets out a child’s needs and the support and provision the local authority must arrange.
You express a preference
During the EHCP process you can name the special school you would like your child to attend. The local authority must consider your preference and consult the schools involved.
The local authority names the school
Unlike mainstream admissions, you do not apply directly to the school. The local authority names the agreed school in Section I of the EHCP, and that named school then has a duty to admit your child.
SENDIASS can help
Your local SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) offers free, impartial guidance on EHCPs, expressing a preference, and what to do if you disagree with a decision.
Special Schools in Derby
Showing 1-11 of 11 schools
- Ivy House School
Littleover
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Multi-Sensory Impairment, Physical Disability, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty · Ages 2 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- St Clare's School
Mickleover
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Physical Disability, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty · Ages 11 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- St Giles' Spencer Academy
Chaddesden
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty · Ages 4 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- St Martins School
Sinfin
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Severe Learning Difficulty · Ages 11 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- St Andrew's Academy
Breadsall Hilltop
FMS Inspection Score 8.8/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Multi-Sensory Impairment, Other Difficulty/Disability, Physical Disability, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty, Specific Learning Difficulty, Visual Impairment · Ages 11 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Kingsmead School
Sinfin
FMS Inspection Score 8.3/10 · Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 7 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Royal School for the Deaf Derby
Littleover
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Hearing Impairment · Ages 3 to 19 · Co-educational · Day & boarding
- Include - St Matthews
Darley Abbey
Ages 11 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Jasmine Hall School
Littleover
Ages 11 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Maple View School
Sinfin
Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty, Specific Learning Difficulty · Ages 6 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Normanton House School
Normanton
Ages 5 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
Frequently asked questions
What is a special school?
A special school educates children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who need more support than a mainstream school can usually provide. Most pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and schools are organised around specific types of need, such as autism, social and emotional needs, or severe and complex learning difficulties.
How many special schools are in Derby?
This page currently lists 11 special schools in Derby, ordered by inspection quality. Use the provision-type filter to narrow the list to the needs that matter most for your child.
How do I apply for a special school place in Derby?
Special school places are arranged through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process, not through the normal school-admissions round. You name your preferred school in the EHCP, and the local authority decides which school to name in Section I after consulting the schools. Your local SENDIASS service offers free, impartial advice on expressing a preference and on the EHCP timeline.
What SEN types are supported in Derby?
Across Derby, provision covers needs such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Speech, Language and Communication Needs and Moderate Learning Difficulty.
Are special schools inspected by Ofsted?
Yes. State-funded special schools are inspected by Ofsted on the same framework as mainstream schools, and independent special schools are inspected by Ofsted or an approved inspectorate. We translate the latest inspection into an FMS Inspection Score so you can compare schools on a single consistent scale.
Do special schools follow the national curriculum and offer GCSEs?
Special schools follow a broad and balanced curriculum, adapted to each pupil. Many enter pupils for GCSEs, Functional Skills, and vocational qualifications where appropriate, while others focus on communication, independence, and life skills. The right mix depends on the school and the needs of its pupils.
How are special schools funded?
State special school places are funded by local authorities through the high-needs block, with additional top-up funding attached to each pupil with an EHCP. Independent and non-maintained special schools may be funded by the local authority where the EHCP names them, or privately by families.