28 Top Special Needs Schools in Essex: Best Guide

Are you in search of Top Special Needs Schools in Essex? In this article, we have outlined a comprehensive list of 28 Top Special Needs Schools in Essex and what they offer. Read on and find out more.  

In the heart of Essex, Special Needs Schools stand as an inclusive haven for students aged 3-19 with special educational needs. Beyond conventional education, these schools are specialized institutions committed to fostering holistic development.

Catering to those with severe and complex requirements, including pupils within the autistic spectrum. 

List of Special Needs Schools in Essex

  • Hatton School & Special Needs Centre   
  • Kingswode Hoe School 
  • Doucecroft School 
  • Cedar Hall Special School 
  • Bramfield House School 
  • Shorefields School 
  • Newbridge School 
  • Southview School 
  • Castledon School 
  • Glenwood School
  • Hopewell School 
  • Hillside Special School 
  • Kingsdown School 
  • St Nicholas School 
  • The Yellow House School
  • Oak View School 
  • Little Heath School  
  • The Anderson School 
  • Roding Primary School  
  • The Edith Borthwick School
  • The St Christopher School 
  • Bridge School  
  • Harlow Fields School & College  
  • Woodcroft School  
  • Granta School 
  • Churchill Special School
  • Langham Oaks 
  • Lexden Springs Residential Special School 

Hatton School & Special Needs Centre   

Hatton School & Special Needs Centre, situated in Essex, is a large primary special school catering to children aged 3-11 with diverse complex needs, including autism, social communication difficulties, Down syndrome, and other learning challenges. 

The dedicated staff works tirelessly to create a supportive environment, fostering both small and significant progress in the pupils.

The school’s mission focuses on overcoming barriers to learning, offering a rich and systematic curriculum tailored to individual needs. 

Hatton School prioritizes social interaction, language and communication, self-regulation, emotional well-being, and academic needs, recognizing the unique requirements of its students.

For parents and carers, Hatton School ensures a friendly, accessible, and welcoming environment that respects all aspects of their child’s education and welfare. 

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.hattonspecialschool.co.uk/ 
  • Phone: 
  • Email: 
  • Address: Roding Lane South, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 8EU

Kingswode Hoe School 

Kingswode Hoe School, located in the west of Colchester, N.E. Essex, is a day special school dedicated to providing education for boys and girls aged 5 to 16 with moderate learning difficulties and an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). 

Established in 1906 as a special school at East Stockwell Street Infant School, Kingswode Hoe has evolved over the years. 

The dedicated staff and local academy committee at Kingswode Hoe School are committed to offering a broad and balanced education, ensuring that each child receives support to achieve their full potential. 

As a special school, it focuses on providing a nurturing environment for pupils with moderate or complex learning difficulties, offering a range of educational services for ages 5 to 16.

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.kingswodehoe.essex.sch.uk/
  • Phone: 01206576408
  • Address: Sussex Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3QJ UK

Doucecroft School 

Doucecroft School, established in 1977, stands as a specialist co-educational institution catering to children and young people aged 3-19 with autism and additional complex needs. 

With a wealth of experience and success in addressing diverse strengths and needs, the school provides a nurturing environment that fosters independence and self-esteem. 

Doucecroft School, affiliated with Autism Anglia, a regional charity supporting individuals and families affected by Autism, is approved by the Department for Education (DfE) and subject to Ofsted inspections. 

The school’s commitment to holistic support is evident through on-site Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy provided by an experienced therapy team. 

Doucecroft School remains dedicated to creating an environment where students can thrive, grow, and achieve their potential.

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.doucecroft.org.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01206 577678
  • Email: info@autism-anglia.org.uk 
  • Address: Abbotts Lane, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, Essex, CO6 3QL

Cedar Hall Special School 

Cedar Hall Special School, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere, provides a safe and happy environment for pupils to focus on learning and make substantial progress. 

The school caters to young people with complex learning needs, particularly those on the autistic spectrum with social and communication difficulties.

The curriculum at Cedar Hall is both broad and balanced, tailored to individual needs based on age and starting points. In the lower school, a topic approach aligned with the National Curriculum is implemented, while in the upper school, lessons are subject-based.

The success of pupils’ progress is measured against clearly defined outcomes, regularly monitored and reviewed through summative and formative assessments. 

Contact Details: 

Visit the Website: http://www.cedarhall.essex.sch.uk/ 

Phone: 01268 774723

Email: admin@cedarhall.essex.sch.uk 

Address: Hart Road, Thundersley, Essex, SS7 3UQ

Bramfield House School 

Established in 1970, Bramfield House School serves as a specialized institution for boys aged 7-16 with social, emotional, mental health, and communication difficulties, accompanied by challenging behaviors. 

Bramfield House School prioritizes a warm and caring environment, fostering trust and mutual respect. The ethos is centered on providing each individual with the opportunity to maximize their potential.  

The professional staff actively engages with pupils, and acknowledges past difficulties of the young individuals, promoting a positive start and supporting individuality while emphasizing appropriate social skills.

The school’s aims include meeting each child’s physical and emotional needs and encouraging a healthy lifestyle aligned with the Every Child Matters Framework. 

Contact Details

  • Visit the Website: https://www.bramfieldhouse.co.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01986 784 235
  • Email: info@bramfieldhouse.co.uk 
  • Address: Bramfield House School, Walpole Road, Bramfield, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 9AB

Shorefields School 

Shorefields School, located in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, caters to 149 pupils aged 3-19 with diverse complex, severe, and profound learning needs, including a significant percentage on the autistic spectrum. 

The school offers personalized and flexible learning programs, along with therapies to support children and young people with statements of special educational needs and education health and care plans.

As a maintained day special school in North East Essex, Shorefields School takes pride in its commitment to pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) with Learning Difficulty (LD), Physical and Neurological Impairment (PNI), or Complex Communication, Sensory, and Physical Needs.

The school boasts a skilled and dedicated team of teachers, assistants, and therapists who work holistically to understand each learner individually. With a strong ethos of respect, fairness, and care, Shorefields School is relentless in its pursuit of providing a fulfilling and independent future for its pupils.

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.shorefields.essex.sch.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01255 424412
  • Email: admin@shorefields.essex.sch.uk 
  • Address: Ogilvie House, 114 Holland Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 6HF

Newbridge School 

Newbridge School, a split-site special school academy within the Astrum Multi Academy Trust, is dedicated to providing specialized education for children and young people aged two to nineteen with complex learning difficulties. 

These difficulties may be accompanied by additional special educational needs, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, autistic spectrum disorders, associated behavior challenges, social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH), as well as medical needs. 

With two school sites located within one mile of each other, Newbridge School is committed to addressing a diverse range of learning challenges for its students.

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.newbridge.redbridge.sch.uk/ 
  • Phone: 
  • Address: 200 Loxford Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG3 9AR

Southview School 

Southview School, situated in Witham, Essex, is a 3-19 day special school dedicated to Physically and Neurologically Impaired (PNI) children and students. 

As a non-political and secular school, Southview School embraces diverse beliefs and opinions, prioritizing respect and avoiding harm to others. 

The school’s highly skilled and dedicated team of teachers, support staff, and therapists work collaboratively to provide a high-quality learning experience. 

With a commitment to holistic educational needs, the school collaborates with external agencies, parents, and carers. For students able to extend their experiences, Southview School collaborates with mainstream schools, providing a local educational provision.

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: https://www.southview.essex.sch.uk/
  • Phone: 01376 503505
  • Email: admin@southview.essex.sch.uk
  • Address: Conrad Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 2TA

Castledon School 

Castledon School, a community special school in Wickford, Essex, is dedicated to unlocking the potential of learners aged 5 to 19 with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs. 

The school collaborates with parents, staff, and students to create a safe and inclusive community based on mutual respect and understanding.

Personalized learning intentions (PLIs) linked to Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) are tailored for each learner, with regular reviews to ensure progress. 

Castledon School offers a supportive environment through Speech and Language therapists, Occupational therapists, and a team of school counselors. 

These professionals work collaboratively to provide continuous professional development and necessary resources to help students succeed academically and emotionally.

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: https://www.castledon.org/ 
  • Phone: 01268 761252
  • Email: admin@castledon.org
  • Address: Bromfords Drive, Wickford, Essex, SS12 0PW

Glenwood School

Glenwood School, located in Benfleet, South Essex, is a community special school providing education for children and young people aged 3 to 19 with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties. 

The school, maintained by the Local Authority, accommodates up to 220 learners, encompassing a diverse range of needs, including those with autistic spectrum conditions and complex physical and sensory impairments. 

With a co-educational focus, approximately 60% of learners have a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder and around 30% present significant physical and/or sensory impairments.

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.glenwood.essex.sch.uk/
  • Phone: 01268792575
  • Email: admin@glenwood.essex.sch.uk
  • Address: Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 4LW

Hopewell School 

Hopewell School, an independent special school with a focus on children and young people holding an EHCP for social, emotional, mental health, and learning needs, operates across two sites. 

The school is dedicated to providing child-centered specialist education and therapeutic support. Emphasizing empowerment, self-confidence building, and the development of individual strengths. 

Hopewell commits to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is paramount, with therapy provided by qualified professionals, including child psychotherapists, drama therapists, music therapists, and therapy assistants. 

By empowering students, fostering their self-confidence, and facilitating the development of individual strengths, the school aims to instill the necessary skills for a constructive and fulfilling transition into adult life.

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: https://www.hopewellschool.co.uk/ 
  • Phone: 0208 593 6610
  • Email: admin@hopewellschool.co.uk
  • Address: Harmony House, Baden Powell Close, Dagenham, Essex, RM9 6XN

Other Special Needs Schools in Essex:

Hillside Special School 

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: https://www.hillsidespecial.org.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01787 372808
  • Email: admin@hillside.suffolk.sch.uk 
  • Address: Hitchcock Place, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1NN

Kingsdown School 

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.kingsdownschool.org/ 
  • Phone: 01702 527486
  • Email: office@kingsdown.southend.sch.uk 
  • Address: Snakes Lane, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6XT 

St Nicholas School 

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.stnicholas-school.co.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01702 462322
  • Email: office@st-nicholas.southend.sch.uk
  • Address:Philpott Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 4RL

The Yellow House School

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: https://www.theyellowhouseschool.org.uk/
  • Phone: 01787 462504
  • Email: office@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
  • Address: 1 Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Essex, CO9 3HX 

Oak View School 

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.oakviewschool.org/ 
  • Phone: 020 8508 4293 
  • Email: office@oakview.efspt.org 
  • Address: Whitehills Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 1TS

Little Heath School 

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.lheath.net/ 
  • Phone: 020 8599 4864
  • Email: school@lheath.net 
  • Address: Hainault Road, Romford, Essex, RM6 5RX

The Anderson School 

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: https://andersoneducation.org/ 
  • Phone: 610-635-2400
  • Address: Enterprise Campus, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 5AB

Roding Primary School  

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://rodingprimary.co.uk/ 
  • Phone: 020 8504 3706
  • Email: admin@rodingprimary.co.uk 
  • Address: Roding Lane North, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 

The Edith Borthwick School

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.edithborthwick.essex.sch.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01376 529300
  • Email: admin@edithborthwick.essex.sch.uk
  • Address: Enterprise Drive, Braintree, Essex, CM7 2YN

The St Christopher School 

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.thestchristopherschool.co.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01702524193
  • Email: office@tscs.southend.sch.uk 
  • Address: Mountdale Gardens, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 4AW

Bridge School  

  • Visit the Website: http://www.bridgeschool.org/ 
  • Phone: 650-696-7295
  • Address: The Bridge School,  545 Eucalyptus Avenue, Hillsborough, CA 94010-6404

Harlow Fields School & College  

  • Visit the Website: http://www.harlowfields.essex.sch.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01279 423670
  • Email: admin@harlowfields.essex.sch.uk
  • Address: Harlow Fields School and College, Tendring Road, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6RN

Woodcroft School  

  • Visit the Website: http://www.woodcroftschool.net/ 
  • Phone: (020) 8508 1369
  • Email: mail@woodcroftschool.net
  • Address: Woodcroft School, Whitakers Way, Loughton, Essex IG10 1SQ

Granta School 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.granta.cambs.sch.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01223 896890
  • Email: office@granta.cambs.sch.uk 
  • Address: Cambridge Road, Linton, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB21 4NN

Churchill Special School

  • Visit the Website: https://www.churchillschool.co.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01440 760338
  • Email: admin@churchillschool.co.ukv
  • Address: Churchill School, Chalkstone Way, Haverhill, Suffolk
    CB9 0LB

Langham Oaks 

  • Visit the Website:  https://www.langhamoaks.co.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01206 271571
  • Email: admin@langhamoaks.co.uk 
  • Address: School Road, Langham, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5PA

Lexden Springs Residential Special School 

Contact Details: 

  • Visit the Website: http://www.lexdensprings.co.uk/ 
  • Phone: 01206 563321
  • Email: admin@lexdensprings.essex.sch.uk
  • Address: Winstree Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0PZ

Conclusion

At Special Needs Schools in Essex, the vision extends far beyond academic achievements. It aspires to guide every student on a transformative learning journey, nurturing them into the best version of themselves. 

With a dedication to inclusivity and comprehensive support, these Special Needs Schools exemplify a beacon of educational excellence for those with diverse needs in Essex. 

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