Acorn
Education

Visit our schools

We are a leading provider in education for children and young people with special educational needs, and we have over 35 schools located across the UK.

Each specialises in different needs associated with social, emotional and mental health diagnoses, and all are focused on delivering exceptional learning experiences.

All our schools hold regular open days, to find an open day near you select the region from the list below.

You can also use the map to find a school near you.

 

Find school near me

The best way to see if a school is right for your child is to attend one of our open days.

Find an open day in your region by selecting from the list below.

Filter by region:

Many of our schools are in beautiful settings, often in acres of land. All offer plenty of outdoor space along with forest schools, multi-use games areas, and places where pupils can simply enjoy being out in the fresh air.

With an excellent pupil-teacher ratio and a tailored education programme for each individual, our pupils benefit from learning opportunities designed to bring out their best. The schools also offer specialist clinical advice and support, along with the latest equipment and innovative environments – whatever’s needed to meet our pupils’ differing needs.

Beyond the classroom, there are opportunities to get involved in activities such as looking after animals in the school farm, or water sports in the local area.

There are dedicated vocational areas in each school too, where pupils can build skills and career-focused experiences, preparing for futures in which they can thrive.

To help we have some of our most frequently asked questions  to help guide you with your next steps.

We look forward to welcoming you to an Acorn Education school very soon!

School Finder

To see if there is a school in your area, enter your postcode or select your region from the drop down. Alternatively, if you know the name of the school, you can search for it by name.

From this full list of schools you can see if there is one in your area by selecting your region from the drop down list. Alternatively, if you know the name of the school, you can search for it by name.

Map View
List View

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve put together some of our most frequently asked questions to guide you in making an informed decision when selecting the best school for your child.

How do I get my child into a SEN school?

Your child will need an Education, Health and Care Plan, also known as an EHCP.

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document in the UK that outlines a child’s special educational needs and the support they require. This plan is tailored to the individual needs of the child and involves input from parents, schools, health professionals and social services. EHCPs aim to ensure that children with additional needs receive the appropriate support to reach their full potential in education and beyond.

How do I get an EHCP for my child?

To get an EHCP for your child, you need to apply through your local authority. This process involves providing information about your child’s needs and any existing support they receive. The local authority will assess the application and decide if an EHCP is necessary. It’s important to gather relevant documents and information to support your application.

You can also find more details about how to request an EHCP plan from your Local Authority here: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/extra-SEN-help

Is a specialist school better than a mainstream school?

Acorn Education schools are proud to offer tailored support for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. Our individualised approach caters to the unique needs and learning styles of each pupil, enhancing their overall development. We support pupil learning and development through small class sizes, typically a maximum of 6 to 8 pupils per class, and a least one qualified teacher and one teaching assistant.

How do I choose the right school for my SEN child?

When choosing a school, it is helpful to arrange a visit, particularly when the children are in. You may want to do a visit on your own during school hours, and then with your child perhaps at a quieter time, if you like what you see on your first visit.

It is important that you feel happy with the setting, and the resources, and have time to speak to teachers and staff at the school about the things you want to be in place for your child’s specific needs. Feel free to bring a list of questions – you can ask about transport, food, trips, all the things that you might need that are on your child’s EHCP and how the school would address them.

It is important that you have time to reflect on the school’s response and ask follow-up questions. Email is normally a good way of clarifying anything that you might think of after the visit so that you are fully confident in your choice.

What age range do your schools take?

We take pupils from ages 4 to 25 depending on the school or college. Please see the school finder map for more information.

Do specialist schools follow the National Curriculum?

Specialist schools in the UK are not required to follow the National Curriculum.

At each of our schools, the curriculum on offer to our pupils is bespoke and is underpinned by the values of Acorn Education. Our schools provide an education that can transform a child’s life, leading to an engaged, positive and happy adult equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to live a full, rewarding existence.

At Acorn Education, we believe that success comes in all shapes and sizes. Irrespective of cognitive ability, all pupils leave our schools with a recognised qualification.

Our full range of additional qualifications means that every student has been able to succeed and achieve a portfolio of qualifications relevant to their skills, interests, and future plans.

What is the difference between the curriculum at a mainstream school to a specialist school?

At Acorn Education, we want our pupils to leave us with good social skills and emotional resilience, and a bespoke curriculum helps us achieve that. The curriculum offered within our schools is individualised and differentiated based on the pupil’s academic ability.

A key part of that approach means encouraging those we support to foster healthy and positive relationships so they can have full social interaction with others and form friendships and bonds which last a lifetime.

Our teams of highly skilled staff and clinicians work closely with parents, families, carers and pupils to best ensure that the individual becomes as independent as possible.

Ultimately, the curriculum helps pupils to be prepared and equipped for life in modern Britain, whatever their hopes and aspirations, be it going on to Further Education, transitioning to employment, or another avenue completely. Whatever they want to achieve, the curriculum helps them get there.

What progression is there for your pupils after they leave?

Acorn Education has a bespoke careers pathways team that works directly with pupils.

Our career guidance is tailored to meet the specific needs of our pupils. Each of our expert career advisers gives pupils the opportunity to explore the wide range of qualifications available in preparation for their future.

As well as obtaining vital work experience, pupils are supported on a one-to-one basis in a relaxed and welcoming setting – all of which offer a pathway to preparing for the best possible future.

Do I need to pay for an Acorn Education specialist school?

Our school places are funded by the Local Authority. This funding ensures access to specialised resources and expertise without additional costs for families.

Pupils at our schools will enjoy free school meals, snacks, outings and enrichment activities. Additionally, they will be equipped with an initial free school uniform.

Do you provide transport?

The Local Authority will agree contractual arrangements for transporting your child to and from school. *

*This may differ depending on the Local Authority.

When can my child start at school? Do they have to wait until September?

Your child does not need to wait until September to start at one of our schools, however, there are steps beforehand which must be completed before your child can join one of our schools:

  •  Your child will need to have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which will specify that they have SEMH needs, a diagnosis of autism or demonstrate behaviours associated with autism (ASC).
  • Your child will normally have been assessed as within the average ability range of educational functioning.
  • Your child will express a commitment to the placement.
  • Parents/carers will express a commitment to the placement.
  • The Local Authority will provide the school with all current advice and information concerning your child.
  • The Local Authority will name the school in Section IV of their EHCP.
  • The Local Authority will email confirmation agreeing on Core funding and additional funding if specified in the assessment and provide a signed IPA (Individual Placement Agreement).

Does the school have specialist facilities?

We recognise that early identification and effective provision improve long-term outcomes for pupils.

Each of our schools is different, some have extensive grounds with roaming fields, and others are located closer to towns with the option to take part in community settings.

Over the past year, we have built immersive classrooms within many of our schools, allowing teachers to take our pupils beyond the school walls, to places and experiences that they may not otherwise ordinarily encounter, in an environment where they feel safe.

Many of our schools also offer unique onsite school learning experiences such as animal care, horticulture, hairdressing, or mechanics to enable pupils to gain vocational qualifications or explore possible future careers.

Are there therapists on site? How is the therapy integrated into the curriculum?

Acorn Education schools have a range of onsite clinicians who will work with pupils, as well as their parents or carers, to agree on a support plan which will become part of their school life, enabling them to build on their strengths and increase their resilience.

Our wider clinical team includes:

  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Psychotherapists
  • Assistant Psychologists
  • Therapy Assistants
  • Access to other types of therapy as required.

Is there a waiting list?

We don’t operate a waiting list for our schools. Each application is looked at on a case-by-case basis.

How do I apply for a place at one of your schools?

Find your preferred school using the School Finder and contact the school directly via their website. Please ensure that you have an EHCP in place or are in the process of obtaining one

Enquiry Form

Please only continue with your application if you are either in the process of obtaining an EHCP or you currently have one from your local authority.

© Outcomes First Group 2025