If you’re looking for a private school in the UK that offers strong support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), you’ll find a wide range of options. Independent schools vary in their approach, resources, and specialisms—but many provide excellent support for children with learning differences and additional needs.
This guide outlines the most common types of SEN/SEND support in UK independent schools to help you make an informed choice.
Early Identification and Assessment of Special Needs
Top UK private schools typically begin with early screening and assessment to identify potential learning difficulties:
- Entry assessments in literacy, numeracy, and cognitive ability
- In-house or external Educational Psychologist reports
- Ongoing support from a dedicated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
Early identification helps tailor interventions from the outset and ensures the right support is in place.
Specialist Learning Support Departments
Most independent schools offer structured support through a Learning Support Unit or Specialist Learning Centre. These departments provide:
- 1:1 or small group support for reading, writing, maths, and working memory
- Coaching in study skills, exam preparation, and executive function
- Tailored support for dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ASD, and other learning differences
- Access to specialist SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulty) teachers
Some schools charge additional fees for intensive 1:1 sessions, so check this in advance.
Curriculum Adaptations & Exam Access Arrangements
To ensure students with SEND can thrive, many private schools offer:
- Differentiated classroom teaching strategies
- Use of assistive technologies like laptops, reader pens, or speech-to-text tools
- Access arrangements for GCSEs and A-Levels: extra time, scribes, rest breaks, or quiet rooms
- Flexible timetabling or reduced subject loads if needed
- Overlapping support for EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEND in some schools
These adjustments help students achieve academic success without unnecessary pressure.
Emotional, Mental Health, and Social Support
Private schools often place a high emphasis on pastoral care, which includes emotional and mental health support for pupils with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs). Typical provision includes:
- On-site school counsellors, psychologists, or pastoral leads
- Structured social skills groups for students with autism or social challenges
- Safe spaces or “nurture rooms” to regulate emotional wellbeing during the school day
- Peer mentoring and buddy systems to build confidence and inclusion
EHCP Support and Collaboration with Local Authorities
Some pupils in private schools may have an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan). While independent schools are not legally required to follow EHCP guidelines, many do:
- Accept students with EHCPs on a case-by-case basis
- Collaborate with local authorities and external therapists
- Allow families to privately fund provision while accessing NHS or council therapies outside school hours
It’s essential to speak with the school directly to understand how EHCPs are handled in their setting.
UK Private Schools Specialising in SEND Provision
There are independent schools in the UK specifically designed for students with SEND, offering tailored learning environments, therapies, and curricula. Examples include:
- Dyslexia specialist schools: Fairley House, Moon Hall, St David’s College
- Autism-focused schools: Holmewood School, LVS Hassocks
- Speech & language therapy schools: Blossom House, More House School
These schools typically provide:
- Small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios
- On-site Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs)
- A nurturing, adapted environment focused on individual progress
Final Thoughts: What to Consider When Choosing a SEND-Friendly Private School
Support levels vary: Not all independent schools offer the same depth of SEND support. Some cater only for mild needs, while others are fully specialist.
Ask detailed questions: Request to speak with the SENCO, review inspection reports, and ask about interventions and outcomes.
Consider cost: While some support is included in fees, additional services (e.g., 1:1 tuition, therapist sessions) may incur extra charges.
Flexibility is a benefit: Many independent schools offer more personalised approaches and better communication with parents than in the state sector.
Example list of SEND-friendly independent schools in the UK
London & South East
Fairley House School (London) – Specialist school for dyslexia, dyspraxia, and language difficulties (ages 5–16).
More House School (Frensham, Surrey) – For boys with specific learning and language difficulties; strong academic support.
Blossom House School (Wimbledon, London) – Specialist in speech, language, and communication needs.
South West England
Westonbirt School (Gloucestershire) – Mainstream school with good SEN support and learning enrichment team.
The Aurora Group – Aurora Foxes (Somerset) – A specialist college for young adults with learning disabilities and autism.
West Midlands
Baskerville School (Birmingham) – For students with autism and complex learning needs; excellent life skills and independence curriculum.
Ingestre Hall SEN (Staffordshire) – Specialist provision often used for SEND enrichment and arts-based learning.
Young Options College (Shropshire) – Specialist post-16 education for learners with SEND, ASD, SEMH.
East of England
The Holmewood School (Therfield, Herts) – Independent autism specialist school (11–19).
Egerton Rothesay School (Berkhamsted) – Broad SEN provision with therapy and learning support in mainstream structure.
North West England
Bridgeway School (Preston) – Specialist school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
Rossendale School (Lancashire) – Independent school for students with ASC, ADHD, and related learning difficulties.
Scotland
New Struan School (Alloa) – Run by Scottish Autism; offers tailored education for autistic learners.
Daldorch House School (East Ayrshire) – National Autistic Society school with residential options.