Showing 1-9 of 69 schools
- Acorns Primary School
- Bleasdale School
- Bridgeway School
- Broadfield Specialist School
- Chorley Astley Park School
- Elm Tree Community Primary School
- Holly Grove School
- Kingsbury Primary Special School
- Kirkham Pear Tree School
- Linton School
- Meadow View Learning Centre
- Oliver House School
- Oswaldtwistle White Ash School
- Pendle Community High School & College
- Pendle View Primary School
- Progress School
- Rainbow Hub School
- Rawtenstall Cribden House Community Special School
- Royal Cross Primary School
- The Loyne Specialist School
Special Schools in Lancashire
There are 69 special schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Lancashire. 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 25.
All special schools by areaHow special-school admissions work in Lancashire
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 Lancashire
Showing 1-69 of 69 schools
- Acorns Primary School
Moor Park
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Multi-Sensory Impairment, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty, Visual Impairment · Ages 2 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- Bleasdale School
Silverdale
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty, Specific Learning Difficulty · Ages 2 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Bridgeway School
Bamber Bridge
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Ages 9 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Broadfield Specialist School
Coal Clough
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Multi-Sensory Impairment, 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
- Chorley Astley Park School
Astley Park
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Multi-Sensory Impairment, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty, Visual Impairment · Ages 4 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Elm Tree Community Primary School
Tanhouse
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 4 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- Holly Grove School
Barden
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Physical Disability, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty, Visual Impairment · Ages 2 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- Kingsbury Primary Special School
Chapel House
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty · Ages 2 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- Kirkham Pear Tree School
Kirkham
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Multi-Sensory Impairment, Physical Disability, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty, Visual Impairment · Ages 2 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Linton School
Freckleton
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Ages 8 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Meadow View Learning Centre
Withnell
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Ages 8 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Oliver House School
Chorley town centre
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Severe Learning Difficulty, Specific Learning Difficulty · Ages 6 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Oswaldtwistle White Ash School
Oswaldtwistle
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · 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 2 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- Pendle Community High School & College
Lomeshaye
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Multi-Sensory Impairment, Physical Disability, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty, Visual Impairment · Ages 11 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Pendle View Primary School
Waterside
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Multi-Sensory Impairment, Physical Disability, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty, Visual Impairment · Ages 2 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- Progress School
Bamber Bridge
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty, Specific Learning Difficulty · Ages 7 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Rainbow Hub School
Ormskirk
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Ages 4 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Rawtenstall Cribden House Community Special School
Rawtenstall
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Speech, Language and Communication Needs · Ages 5 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- Royal Cross Primary School
Ashton-on-Ribble
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Hearing Impairment · Ages 4 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- The Loyne Specialist School
Scotforth
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Multi-Sensory Impairment, 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 4 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Thornton-Cleveleys Red Marsh School
Red Marsh
FMS Inspection Score 10/10 · 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 2 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Tor View School
Haslingden
FMS Inspection Score 9.5/10 · Ages 3 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Aurora Keyes Barn School
Salwick
FMS Inspection Score 9/10 · Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 5 to 12 · Boys · Day
- Poplar House School
Lytham St Annes
FMS Inspection Score 9/10 · Ages 11 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Beaumont College
Slyne
FMS Inspection Score 8.3/10 · Physical Disability, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty · Ages 18 to 25 · Co-educational · Day & boarding
- Calder Lodge School
Oakenclough
FMS Inspection Score 8.3/10 · Ages 5 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- Pontville School
Aughton
FMS Inspection Score 8/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Specific Learning Difficulty · Ages 5 to 19 · Co-educational · Day & boarding
- Morecambe Road School
West End
FMS Inspection Score 7.7/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Multi-Sensory Impairment, Other Difficulty/Disability, Physical Disability, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Visual Impairment · Ages 3 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Roselyn House School
Moss Side
FMS Inspection Score 7.6/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Other Difficulty/Disability, Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 10 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Rossendale School
Ramsbottom
FMS Inspection Score 7.6/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 7 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- The Nook School
Colne
FMS Inspection Score 7.6/10 · Ages 11 to 18 · Girls · Day
- Sir Tom Finney Community High School
Ribbleton
FMS Inspection Score 7.5/10 · 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
- The Coppice School
Bamber Bridge
FMS Inspection Score 7.3/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Multi-Sensory Impairment, 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 2 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Aurora Brooklands School
Midge Hall
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 9 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Brookfield School
Poulton-le-Fylde
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 11 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Brook View School
Ribchester
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 8 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Cambian Red Rose School
Bamber Bridge
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Ages 5 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Compass Community School Lancashire
Burnley Wood
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Ages 11 to 17 · Co-educational · Day
- Great Arley School
Cleveleys
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Moderate Learning Difficulty · Ages 4 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Hillside Specialist School and College
Longridge
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder · Ages 3 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Hope High School
Ormskirk
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 11 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Maple House School
Haslingden
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Ages 6 to 14 · Co-educational · Day
- Mayfield School
Buckshaw Village
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · 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 4 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Moorbrook School
Fulwood
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 11 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Park View
Clayton-le-Moors
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Ages 8 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Pioneer TEC
Fulwood
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Ages 11 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- The Ribble Autism School
Lostock Hall
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Ages 4 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- The Rose School
Daneshouse
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Specific Learning Difficulty · Ages 11 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- The Willows
Mill Hill
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Ages 5 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- West Lancashire Community High School
Skelmersdale
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Physical Disability, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty, Specific Learning Difficulty, Visual Impairment · Ages 11 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Westmorland School
Weldbank
FMS Inspection Score 7/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 5 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Ridgewood Community High School
Habergham Eaves
FMS Inspection Score 6.8/10 · Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Multi-Sensory Impairment, Physical Disability, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Severe Learning Difficulty, Specific Learning Difficulty, Visual Impairment · Ages 11 to 19 · Co-educational · Day
- Cumberland School
Rivington
FMS Inspection Score 5.3/10 · Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Specific Learning Difficulty · Ages 7 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Valley College
Waterfoot
FMS Inspection Score 5.3/10 · Ages 19 to 25 · Co-educational · Day
- New Focus Education
Cottam
FMS Inspection Score 4.4/10 · Ages 6 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Mayfield House School
Chorley
FMS Inspection Score 1.7/10 · Ages 6 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Belmont School
Rawtenstall
Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 5 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Crookhey Hall School
Cockerham
Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 10 to 17 · Co-educational · Day
- Grow Independent School
Nelson
Ages 11 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Moorlands View School
Dunnockshaw
Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 7 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Oakfield House School
Salwick
Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Specific Learning Difficulty · Ages 4 to 12 · Co-educational · Day
- Waterloo Lodge
Whittle-le-Woods
Social, Emotional and Mental Health · Ages 9 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Applebee Wood School
Lostock Hall
Ages 4 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Holdsworth School
Padiham Road
Ages 5 to 18 · Co-educational · Day
- Moss View School
Skelmersdale
Ages 5 to 11 · Co-educational · Day
- Silver Birch School
Harle Syke
Ages 11 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- TRUST-Education Group Ltd
Ribchester
Ages 11 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Walney House Independent School
Preston
Ages 11 to 16 · Co-educational · Day
- Red Rose School
St Annes
Specific Learning Difficulty · Ages 5 to 17 · 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 Lancashire?
This page currently lists 69 special schools in Lancashire, 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 Lancashire?
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 Lancashire?
Across Lancashire, 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.