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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

2026 Winner: Lift Pioneer, Essex

Pioneer Academy, an Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Flagship school, is a national leader where high-tech innovation meets a child-centred ethos. The school champions ambitious education for students with complex needs, reflected in its Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating, Platinum Plus Safeguarding Award, and Rainbow Flag Award.

Pioneer’s “Pioneer Spirit” drives digital innovation. As part of the LGfL EdTech Demonstrator Programme, the academy showcased a live classroom at the 2025 Bett Show, highlighting its leadership in multi-sensory SEND learning. Technology is used to improve engagement for non-verbal learners, streamline administration with Google Workspace AI, and make abstract concepts tangible through QR codes and bespoke safeguarding videos.

Innovation is complemented by a strong therapeutic offer, including Thrive specialists and pony therapy, ensuring 100% of pupils feel happy and safe. The Further Education curriculum emphasizes functional skills, vocational experience, and community engagement, with enterprise projects, travel training, and a pupil-run charity shop. Pioneer also shares its expertise nationally, inspiring SEND innovation and equipping students to achieve, belong, and thrive.

Commended
Red Gates School, London 

Red Gates School, led by Head Teacher Melissa, is committed to supporting pupils and their families beyond the classroom and school site. The leadership team demonstrates relentless dedication to understanding the school’s context and adapting approaches to meet the needs of both its pupils and the wider SEND community.

The school places strong emphasis on learning beyond the classroom. Pupils participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including swimming, horse riding, local walks, and over 20 lunchtime clubs, enabling them to apply and reinforce classroom learning. Collaborative partnerships with local organisations ensure these activities are inclusive, safe, and supportive, while also building community capacity to meet the needs of SEND children.

Red Gates prioritises wider wellbeing, offering initiatives such as the TCS Mini Marathon, on-site hairdressing, and community playground access for families. Children are encouraged to be autonomous, motivated, and curious learners, with diversity celebrated and equity promoted. The school provides a safe, empowering environment where all pupils can thrive, achieve, and feel a strong sense of belonging.

Hub Educational Services CIC, Leicestershire

The Hub Educational Services CIC, based in Hathern, Leicestershire, is a family-run, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment for children and young adults with SEND and SEMH needs. From just two learners, the Hub now supports over 70 young people, with 20 more on the waiting list, reflecting the urgent demand for specialist, inclusive provision.

The school prioritises small class sizes, sensory-friendly environments, and highly skilled staff to meet individual needs. Every learner has a bespoke support plan, co-designed with families and professionals, integrating education, therapy, and wellbeing. On-site counselling, play therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and creative arts are seamlessly embedded in the curriculum, promoting emotional regulation, social skills, and personal development.

The Hub’s inclusive ethos extends beyond the classroom, with neurodiverse staff and family support groups fostering empathy, understanding, and community resilience. Results speak for themselves: 85% of learners meet or exceed goals, attendance improves, and students often return to full-time education, demonstrating lasting impact and success.

Abbot’s Lea School, Liverpool

Abbot’s Lea School in Liverpool, a maintained special school for children and young people aged 3–19 with autism and complex learning needs, has achieved significant national and regional recognition for excellence in SEN provision over the past year. In late 2025, the school was awarded the Gold Award for SEND and Inclusive Practice at the Pearson National Teaching Awards, placing it among the very highest-performing SEND schools nationally. The Gold Award recognises sustained, exceptional practice and impact, highlighting Abbot’s Lea’s leadership in delivering personalised, high-quality education for pupils with complex needs.

In the same period, Abbot’s Lea was also named “Most Inspirational Specialist School in the North West” at the Educate Awards, further underlining the school’s reputation for transformational SEN provision. Judges praised the school’s holistic and therapeutic approach, which integrates academic learning, communication development, emotional regulation and life-skills education tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

These achievements reflect the school’s strong culture of inclusive practice, staff expertise and pupil-centred planning, as well as its commitment to enabling pupils to make meaningful progress both academically and socially. Under the leadership of Headteacher Ania Hildrey, Abbot’s Lea continues to demonstrate how specialist education can deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people with complex SEND.

Millgate School, Leicester

Millgate is part of the Discovery Schools Academies Trust Ltd and serves around 124 pupils, all of whom have special educational needs. The latest inspection documentation published in January 2025 shows the school was inspected in November 2024, indicating ongoing external review and attention to its standards, structures and SEN focus. Although overall graded judgements are no longer published under the updated Ofsted framework, inspection records show continued regulatory oversight of quality and safety at the school.

Millgate’s own website highlights its child-centred vision (“My Story, My Voice, My Future”) and its inclusive curriculum tailored to meet the complex needs of learners, emphasising pastoral support, resilience and personalised learning that helps pupils develop confidence and readiness for future life. Staff work with pupils through a curriculum designed to integrate academic learning with social and emotional development, backed by strong behaviour and relational support systems adapted for SEMH learners. These elements together — external inspection oversight and a committed, personalised approach to pupil development — reflect Millgate’s ongoing strength in SEN provision and holistic pupil support within the last 12 months.

Fosse Way School, Somerset

Fosse Way School serves young people (3-19) with complex learning needs and autism. In 2025, the school earnedrecognition for its inclusive approach to Religious Education when it received the Widening Inclusivity in RE (WIRE) Award, highlighting the school’s success in ensuring that pupils with diverse needs are supported to access and contribute to core curriculum areas in meaningful and inclusive ways.

The school continues to be valued locally for its longstanding outstanding Ofsted status, with inspectors consistently noting the positive impact of staff expertise and tailored provision on pupil engagement and wellbeing. This reputation for quality was referenced in community discussions in 2025 around the future of its residential provision (Fosse Way House), where councillors and local stakeholders praised the life-changing impact of the school’s residential support on pupils’ social skills and independence.

In another recent development, Fosse Way School’s Explorer Scouts group continues to flourish, offering pupils structured opportunities outside the classroom to build confidence, teamwork and life skills — an achievement that complements their academic progress. Overall, the school’s recognition for inclusivity, ongoing community engagement and sustained positive outcomes for pupils underline its recent achievements in specialist education and student support across the last year.

2025 Winner: Leigh Academy Milestone, Essex

Leigh Academy Milestone made history as the first Special Educational Needs (SEN) school for Profound, Severe, and Complex Needs (PSCN) to achieve International Baccalaureate (IB) World School status in September 2024. This milestone reflects its commitment to providing a globally-focused, ambitious education. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) has enhanced inquiry-based learning, leading to a 20% improvement in reading for EAL learners and 90% of students meeting development targets. Leigh Academy Milestone promotes global citizenship, engaging in community projects like bee conservation and care home visits. Recognised by IB Director-General Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Leigh Academy Milestone is redefining SEN education globally.
 

Commended
Millgate School, Leicester

Millgate offers a comprehensive, individualised curriculum that emphasises both academic achievement and personal development. A dedicated team, including a SENCo, assistant SENCo, and support staff, collaborates to create a nurturing environment, addressing each student's unique requirements. The on-site residential facility, The Bryant Residence, accommodates up to eight pupils per night, providing extended support beyond the classroom. Millgate's holistic approach ensures students develop essential life skills, resilience, and confidence, preparing them for successful futures. The school also emphasises community engagement, with students actively participating in charity initiatives that foster empathy and societal awareness. ​
 

Burlington House School, London

​Burlington House, formerly The Moat School, supports students aged 7 to 19 with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and speech and language challenges. The school's learning environment emphasises the arts, drama, and physical education, catering to children who may not thrive in a mainstream setting. Integrated therapeutic support, such as speech and language therapy, is embedded within the curriculum, ensuring comprehensive care. This commitment to individualised education has led to outstanding GCSE results, with the school achieving the best outcomes for a specific learning difficulties specialist in the UK. In recognition of its exceptional provision, Burlington House School was named "Best SEN School" in The Week magazine's 2024 independent school guide.
 

LVS Hassocks, Sussex

As a specialist Independent school for pupils aged 11-19 with Autism, LVS Hassocks' rich history of success includes two ISA Awards (2023) and regular recognition in the annual TES Awards. Its status as an Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence was renewed in 2024. Recently, the school has achieved the Rainbow Flag Award for its neuro divergence and encouragement of the LGBT + Inclusive community, partly due to building LGBT + issues into its curriculum. Held in 2024, the Pride Cafe helped to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues as well as raise money for some selected LGBTQ+ youth charities. A 'significant' improvement in GCSE results was recorded last  year.
 

Castledon School, Essex

Castledon School in Wickford, Essex, is a leader in SEND education, dedicated to enhancing life chances for young people. Its bespoke curriculum blends academic achievement and life skills, preparing students for adulthood through community engagement, accredited qualifications, and residential programmes. Expert leadership and teaching ensure a total communication approach, while outdoor learning, therapy partnerships, and real-world work experiences foster independence. Strong family and community ties, supported by the Friends of Castledon charity, enhance student opportunities. Recognised by Ofsted for high expectations and outstanding support, Castledon is a model of excellence in SEND education, deserving national recognition.
 

Endeavour Academy, Kent

​Endeavour Academy offers a tailored curriculum that emphasises personal growth and well-being, incorporating subjects like BTEC Level 2 in Personal Growth and Wellbeing and Animal Care and Handling to engage learners. A total communication approach, including Makaton and visual timetables, ensures accessibility for all students. Collaborations with educational psychologists, therapists, and social care providers offer holistic support, preparing students for adulthood. The academy's inclusive culture and community partnerships enrich the educational experience, fostering confidence and independence among learners. In 2023, Endeavour Academy received the Excellence in Special Schools and Alternative Provision award at the National SEND Awards, recognising its outstanding support for pupil development.
 

Treloar's School, Hampshire

Treloar’s prioritises PE and sport as key motivators, fostering a ‘Can Do’ outlook through curriculum pathways and extracurricular activities. Ofsted praised the school’s exemplary PE and Physical Wellbeing curriculum, and Treloar’s School earned the afPE Quality Mark with distinction. The Adapted Games Curriculum, developed with therapy teams, enhances mobility and life skills, while fitness activities promote independence and lifelong physical engagement. Students excel in Boccia at Paralympic levels and participate in mainstream competitions like Dance Live. Treloar’s School also expands Disability Sports Day and staff training to promote inclusion, ensuring all students thrive in sports and beyond.

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