Type of service: Day schools, Outreach - education, Schools

The Abbey School is a strong and vibrant special school. The school has places for 100 students aged 11-16 years. It is classified as a day special school for children with learning difficulties and communication disorders (autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) or Asperger syndrome). Admissions are made after a process of consultation and assessment with the Local Authority (LA). Parents are a major part of this process and their views are actively sought. All students have a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN). Applications for places in Year 7 go though a panel selection process, normally November for placement the following September, judged against criteria for admission. This includes one of our staff observing the student in his/her present school. Prior to panels, most prospective parents visit the school when their child is in Year 5. Individual admissions are made throughout the year if the school has appropriate places. Headteacher Mr Chris Gardiner was appointed in September 2004 and since that time the school has achieved the "ICT Mark", "Investor in People", "Healthy Schools", "Sports Mark", "FA Charter Mark", "Investors in Careers" and the "Financial Management Standard in Schools" and "Every Child Matters Award". The school mission statement is to 'create a happy, safe and stimulating environment in which members of the school are valued, where achievement is celebrated and where opportunities for students to develop their potential'.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Specialisms: Generic

Other specialisms: Learning disability