Presented to the UK SEN Establishment that can demonstrate an increase in the quality of care and education services provided to students with Special Educational Needs

2024 Winner: The Cedar School

Based in Southampton, The Cedar School works with The Solent Careers Hub to provide careers education to SEND students, helping to set them on diverse career paths. It has built a portfolio of companies which are not only prepared to adapt to accommodate the inclusive needs of its students, but are also excited to learn about how their companies will be enriched by the input of Cedar pupils.

Commended

Red Kite Special Academy, Northampton
The Cedar School, Southampton
The Holmewood School, London
Stony Dean School, Buckinghamshire

2023 Winner: Pioneer School, Essex

As part of Pioneer’s ‘Pillars of Curriculum’, therapists work closely with classroom staff to plan and deliver lessons using a pupil centred approach. This enables them to become ‘courageous learners’ and make best progress possible. First class facilities include three dedicated sensory spaces and a state-of-the-art Immersive Room, the first of its kind in the UK.

Commended
Whitefield Academy Trust, London
Westlea Primary, Swindon
Moon Hall School, Surrey
Castledon School, Essex

2022 Winner
Parker E-ACT Academy

Commended
Fir Vale School, Sheffield
Marine Academy Primary, Plymouth

2021 Winner
Bramfield House School, Suffolk

Bramfield House School takes boys from a wide catchment who have failed in several settings and who have significant social, emotional and mental health needs. The curriculum offers a range of activities not usually accessed by boys in settings of its type, ranging from rock climbing, sailing and archery to bi-annual ski trip. A school farm, horticulture area, construction and motor mechanics facilities are all on site and combine to help offers a sense of belonging as well as therapeutic approaches to building boys confidence and sense of self worth. Over subscribed for the last 2 years, Bramfield is now looking to expand and build in the next year.

Commended
Acorn Park School, Norfolk
Bridgeway School, Lancashire
Glenwood School, Essex 
Baston House School, Kent

2020 Winner
The Gretton School, Cambridgeshire

Gretton, a specialist school for students aged 5 to 19 years old and part of the Cavendish Education Group, provides a first class education to children on the Autistic Spectrum Continuum. Over the summer, a modular build STEAM block was completed which provides two science labs, a design and technology workshop, art studio and associated services. Recently, the school was awarded Gold by Teach Well Alliance for taking care of the physical and mental well-being of staff during the Corona Virus pandemic. Three teachers were also recognised in this years Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Commended

Lexden Springs School, Essex
Millgate School, Leicester
Joseph Clarke School, London

2019 Winner
Castledon School & College, Essex

An ambitious vision to raise awareness of inclusion and special needs is gradually being realised through the exciting work pupils do within the community. The school’s family and inclusion team works with community organisations and employers to ensure that professionals and parents gain a better understanding of the needs of the students with SEND. Leaders make excellent use of community facilities to enhance students’ independent learning.

Commended

Gilbrook Primary School, Wirral
Many children at Gilbrook have attachment issues and are, or have been, subject to some level of social care support. Outdoor learning programmes encourage their holistic development and extend into the wider community, creating links with other schools and educational settings, parents and other stakeholders having fun, sharing experiences and learning together. A dedicated land based learning area provides the children with the chance to learn practical life skills.

Landmarks Specialist College, Yorkshire
Landmarks is a thriving, Independent Specialist College for people with learning difficulties and disabilities from age 16 upwards. The College offers a wide range of pathways for people with learning difficulties and disabilities from age 16 upwards. These are individually tailored to effectively prepare learners for adulthood, independence and where appropriate, employment. Learners can be assessed to receive support from specialist on-site multi-disciplinary teams.

Options Trent Acres School, Staffordshire
Options Trent Acres offers education and residential care to boys and girls aged between eight and 18 years with autism and a range of complex needs including mild learning disabilities. Following a surprise inspection carried out over two days in October, the school was given an Outstanding rating, with factors including a wide-ranging, exciting curriculum that is highly effective in supporting the development of a broad range of skills and building students’ self-esteem.

Clare Mount Specialist Sports College, Wirral
At Clare Mount, the provision for Autistic pupils has grown quite dramatically from nine years ago when the school welcomed its first cohort of eight Year 7 pupils. Having gained the NAS Advanced Autism Accreditation in November 2018, the percentage of higher grades has increased significantly. In Sixth Form, all students access work experience one day per week for the whole academic year. Autism specialists at the school constantly providing training to all staff.

2018 Winner
Clare Mount Specialist Sports College, Merseyside

Commended

Pontville School, Cumbria
Alderman Knight School, Gloucestershire
William Henry Smith School, West Yorkshire
Castledon Academy, Essex
Hillcrest Jubilee School, Warwickshire

2017 Winner
Hall Cliffe Primary School

During Hall Cliffe’s weekly school forum meetings, children brainstormed ideas on how they would like to be credited for progress, which resulted in the HERO’s (Helping Everyone, Respect Others) initiative. This encourages and rewards progress in academic success, showing good behaviour and being a positive role model.

Commended

Lakeside School Oak View SEN School
Gilbrook School
St James C of E Primary (unit provision)
Clare Mount Specialist Sports College

2016 Winner
Parkside Complex Needs School, Norwich

Parkside School has retained its ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating, with particular praise given for the White Lion Café. A ‘phenomenal success’, the café offers pupils with transferrable skills, outside the classroom learning, as well as providing ‘a safe refuge for vulnerable young people from similar schools’. Each class works in the cafe one morning a week, doing the cooking, cleaning, and serving the public.

Commended

Catcote Academy, Hartlepool
Westmoorland School, Lancashire
Greenside School, Hertfordshire
The Moat School, London

2015 Winner
Uplands School, Swindon

Uplands School is a vibrant and caring community that supports children to develop independent life skills. It is a truly inclusive school that offers innovative and inspirational provision to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential. Effective communication is at the heart of the school, with a unique and flexible curriculum designed to maximise student engagement and progress.

Commended

Trinity Fields School & Resource Centre, Caerphilly
Oakleigh School, London
Longdon Hall School, Staffordshire